IMPROVEMENTS have been introduced at a Borders care home where residents were deemed to have ‘nothing to do’ – but inspectors have called for more action after their latest visit.

Representatives of the Care Inspectorate paid an unannounced visit to Bonchester Bridge Care Centre near Hawick in late January.

The centre is part of the Wolverhampton-based St Philips Care Group and accommodates 24 older people.

After the visit, inspectors rated the centre weak in all five categories – leadership, the staff team, the setting, supporting well-being and the quality of care and support.

The inspection report noted: “More than one person using the service told us, ‘I am bored’. One person stated, ‘It is amazing how fast the weeks go considering we have nothing to do’.”

As a result of the visit the centre was required to make a number of improvements by March 10.

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But when inspectors carried out another unannounced visit on March 21 they found that some of the improvements had not been met.

The report states: “People we met looked clean and tidy, one person told us they had been to the hairdresser that now visits the home once a week.

“The manger has introduced a monitoring chart to evaluate the frequency of showers/baths offered to supported people.

“However, we reviewed the information from the online system and found gaps within the frequency of personal care being offered. Care plans also lacked detail regarding peoples wishes and choices in relation to personal care.

“Since the last inspection the manager moved away from using an online system to manage medication administration. Paper medication administration records (MAR’s) were being completed by staff.

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“We sampled several MAR’s and carried out a full audit and found gaps in records as well as discrepancies in medication counts.”

Inspectors did find that a requirement to organise “appropriate activities” for residents had been met, the report saying: “The provider has engaged with a monthly activities planner. The activities coordinator was enthusiastic about her role and had a new energy due to the manager giving her autonomy on what she could do.”

Inspectors have extended the timescale for the improvement areas not met until June 30.

In response, a spokesperson for St Philips Care Group said: “Like many homes who have endured the trauma of the COVID period, staff at Bonchester have worked tirelessly throughout to ensure the care and wellbeing of our residents.

“Some homes have taken longer to readjust following the relaxation of the necessary restrictions imposed through COVID. We are delighted that the inspection report commented on the changes being made at the home and the recognition that our staff continue to support vulnerable residents in a respectful and knowledgeable manner.”