Latest news with #CareInspectorate
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Secure accommodation units at risk amid capacity concern
Capacity was already stretched, with the previous intake accommodating 78 young adults. Admissions were paused at St Mary's Kenmure in Bishopbriggs – one of the four independent charities offering secure care – after the Care Inspectorate raised 'serious and significant' concerns, warning taking in more people could create 'serious risk to the life' of residents. New admissions resumed in December, but capacity was restricted to 12 of the overall 24 spaces. The Scottish Government announced four new beds in March, made available at Rossie in Montrose. Capacity issues have been ongoing but exacerbated by law changes which requires under-18s sentenced to prison to be transferred to secure accommodation units. Read more: Scottish Tory MSP Roz McCall raised concerns vulnerable children may be 'overlooked' for secure care without more social workers and more beds. While the Children (Care and Justice) Act has been welcomed, she told The Herald: 'It was to stop young people going into young offenders units. Nobody wants to be putting someone under the age of 18 into jail – but where were the judiciary going to put them? They were going to just look at it and send them to secure accommodation. 'That is exactly what has happened, which means that people who need to go to secure accommodation for their own wellbeing are now being overlooked because the judiciary is using the spaces. 'Those vulnerable young people are either left in an environment at home that might be a very toxic and traumatic experience for them, or they are going to have to put them into residential care, which comes with its own problems.' She added: 'We just don't have the social workers. We said at the time the Care and Justice Act was going through parliament that we needed 500 more social workers to be able to enact this. 'We're a year on and we do not have the social workers. The whole system is grinding to a halt and the Scottish Government is not prepared.' 'This is not just an urgent problem, I think it is beyond urgent,' she said. 'It is a categorical failure. "With every day that goes on and you're talking about a child from a traumatic background who experiences trauma, if they don't get the right support and they don't get the right care, then that just exacerbates that trauma. Read more: "Not only have they had a traumatic experience in their family, but that it is being made worse by a system that is meant to help them. That is a problem. "The current state of the system is quite shocking. We are not looking after people properly. "I am very, very concerned that if this is the status quo, the next time we have another statement from the minister, or another six months down the line, the amount of children that we will have failed will be absolutely shocking and what happens to them for the rest of their lives?' The change in law followed a spate of suicides of young people detained in young offenders' institutes. It freed up around 70 prison places and followed former first minister Nicola Sturgeon's pledge to 'keep the promise', which committed to ending the placement of 16 and 17-year-old's in young offenders' institutions. Figures on secure accommodation are updated daily, with Good Shepherd Centre in Bishopton, Kibble Education and Care Centre in Paisley and St Mary's in Bishopbriggs at capacity. Rossie, in Montrose, has just two spaces available if a vulnerable young person is sent there. A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Secure accommodation is the most complex form of care for children in Scotland and means capacity can shift daily. We have increased the number of beds available since the start of this year and there is currently capacity in the secure care estate. 'Decisions around the placement of children in secure accommodation remain with the relevant expert decision makers and the best interests of each child are prioritised in placement decisions. 'While employers are responsible for ensuring there is sufficient workforce capacity, the Scottish Government is contributing to capacity-boosting efforts and increasing access to social work qualifying programmes. 'From the next academic year, we are uplifting the annual postgraduate social work bursary to £11,000.'
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Critical failings' at Highland home care service, says watchdog
The Care Inspectorate says vulnerable patients were put at "risk of harm" due to "critical failings" at NHS Highland's Care at Home service in Sutherland. Medication was administered incorrectly, with patients needs often neglected at a Highland care service, according to a new follows concerns raised last month by the watchdog. NHS Highland previously said it had developed an action plan that it is trying to implement as quickly as possible. It has been approached for further comment. The Care Inspectorate has issued the service with an improvement notice, with changes required or it would recommend the cancellation of the service's registration. In its new full report on the service, the watchdog said managers were warned about "unworkable rotas" which led to visits being missed and families not being staffing levels were also described by workers as a "nightmare", and inspectors said the needs of clients were often watchdog judged all elements of the service to be either unsatisfactory or weak. It said there had been "critical failings in leadership". Earlier this month, the GMB union said workers repeatedly warned Sutherland Care at Home Service managers that visits were being missed or cut short due to "understaffing and unrealistic schedules".
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Young child left outside Scots nursery ALONE with staff unaware they went missing
The incident has been reported to the Care Inspectorate TOT SCARE Young child left outside Scots nursery ALONE with staff unaware they went missing Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CHILD was left unattended in a garden outside a nursery without staff noticing, it has emerged. A probe has been launched after it was alleged that a child under five was left behind by workers after playing outside St Roch's Childcare Services in Glasgow last week. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The incident occurred at St Roch's Childcare Services in Glasgow Credit: Google Maps Staff at the service had taken children aged between two and five outside to play in a garden detached from the building on Thursday, May 15. However, when the employees and children returned to the nursery, staff were alerted by a concerned parent to a child being left in the garden. St Roch's Childcare Services has confirmed an internal investigation is underway following the incident. A spokesperson for the nursery said: 'The safety and well-being of our children is our highest priority, and we take this matter very seriously. 'As soon as the incident was brought to our attention, we acted quickly to ensure the child was safe and unharmed. 'We are currently conducting a thorough investigation. 'The Care Inspectorate and other regulatory bodies were contacted as soon as the incident happened and will be kept updated throughout the process. 'We recognise the trust that parents place in us to care for their children, and we are dedicated to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.' The Care Inspectorate and other regulatory bodies were also notified of the allegation. They confirmed that the nursery is dealing with the incident internally. Tourist caught filming small child in Scots park tells court he meant 'no harm' A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: 'The Care Inspectorate has been appropriately notified of an incident involving a child attending this nursery. 'This matter is being dealt with directly by the service. 'We remain in close contact with the service and continue to monitor them. 'Anyone with a concern about a care service can contact us on 0345 600 9527.'
Glasgow Times
23-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Staff at Glasgow nursery 'left child unattended' in garden
Staff at St Roch's Childcare Service in Royston took a group of youngsters, aged between two and five, outside to play in a garden detached from the nursery on May 15. However, STV News reported that the employees and children returned to the nursery building, but staff were later alerted to a child being left behind, according to a concerned parent. Following the alleged incident, the North Glasgow education centre confirmed an investigation has been launched. READ MORE: Peaceful vigil held for teen who died after beach 'attack' READ MORE: Scots warned to 'not carry weapons' amid concerns over youth violence A St Roch's Childcare Service spokesperson said: 'The safety and well-being of our children is our highest priority, and we take this matter very seriously. 'As soon as the incident was brought to our attention, we acted quickly to ensure the child was safe and unharmed. 'We are currently conducting a thorough investigation. "Care Inspectorate and other regulatory bodies were contacted as soon as the incident happened, and will be kept updated throughout the process. 'We recognise the trust that parents place in us to care for their children, and we are dedicated to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.' The Care Inspectorate revealed they have been made aware of the alleged incident. READ MORE: Second boy, 17, charged following death of East Kilbride teenager READ MORE: 'Altercation' between man and woman on Glasgow train sparks probe However, they said the education centre is dealing with the incident. A spokesperson said: 'The Care Inspectorate has been appropriately notified of an incident involving a child attending this nursery. 'This matter is being dealt with directly by the service. We remain in close contact with the service and continue to monitor them. 'Anyone with a concern about a care service can contact us on 0345 600 9527.'
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inspiring staff are at heart of high-quality social care in South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care services have been recognised by multiple glowing inspection reports from the Care Inspectorate. The dedication of two inspiring care workers reflects the high standards delivered every day by staff across health and social care in South Lanarkshire. Lynn McGeachie and Isabel McMillan demonstrate the skill, compassion and commitment seen across South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care services – standards recognised by multiple glowing inspection reports from the Care Inspectorate. And Lynn, a care and support worker in Hamilton and Blantyre, draws on her own personal experiences to deliver truly person-centred care. After caring for her mum through illness and recovery, she now supports five individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs, helping them live as independently as possible. 'Every person we support is different, so we really take time to understand what matters to them,' said Lynn. 'It could be helping with everyday tasks like meals and medication or building confidence to get out and about – whether that's a trip to the shops, a walk or the gym. The aim is always to help people do as much for themselves as they can and be part of their community. 'Caring for my mum taught me how important it is not to take over, but to encourage independence. That mindset shapes everything I do now. It's about helping people live life to the fullest, on their own terms. 'You build such strong relationships with the people you support – they become like family. Some of my colleagues have supported the same person for 20 years. It's more than a job. You're part of someone's life and that's a real privilege.' Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Isabel McMillan, from the Hamilton Care at Home team, brings specialist communication skills to her role through her training in British Sign Language. Having supported both children and adults who are deaf, Isabel is currently the main carer for a gentleman she visits four times a day – using sign language to ensure he receives care in a way that's meaningful and dignified. 'I was doing a first aid course many years ago and saw a poster to learn sign language and thought I'd give it a go,' said Isabel. 'Learning sign language opened up a whole new way for me to connect with the people I support. Being able to communicate properly and speak someone's language makes such a difference. It means they are not just being cared for, they are being heard and understood. 'Last year I got permission to take the man I'm looking after out to the Remembrance Sunday service in Larkhall which was extremely special for him as the army is one of his passions. 'I was able to sign what was being said throughout the service, let him know when it was time for prayer, when the bagpipes were playing, or when the wreath was being laid. It meant he could be part of something that really mattered to him. 'It's great I've been able to sign for different people across my roles. You really need to commit to it and I've loved learning the language. I'm proud to be able to offer that kind of support, and I feel lucky to do a job that still inspires me every day. 'I'm also studying for a degree in Health and Social Care and I want my kids to see that it's never too late to follow your passion. I managed to get a distinction after my first year. It's been a lot of work but so rewarding.' Their contributions reflect the commitment and quality that underpin South Lanarkshire's wider social care services – recognised in several glowing reports from the Care Inspectorate. The Care and Support service was awarded 'very good' grades across the board and praised the service's compassionate, skilled workforce and the strong relationships built between staff and the people they support. Inspectors noted that staff 'demonstrated genuine empathy and compassion' with relatives describing the care as 'excellent' and saying they would 'give them all a medal'. The report also highlighted the team's proactive approach to promoting health and wellbeing, and the value placed on personal independence and community inclusion. This follows on from a series of excellent Care Inspectorate reports across Care at Home, Home Assessment Teams and Home Care teams in South Lanarkshire, including the Hamilton Care at Home Team that Isabel is part of. Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: 'Whenever I listen to and speak with staff across our services I am always struck by their dedication, professionalism and genuine compassion. 'These Care Inspectorate reports are a welcome and well-deserved recognition of the outstanding work being done right across our social care services by colleagues such as Lynn and Isabel. They highlight both the high standards that we strive for and the quality of the relationships that our teams build with the people they support. 'My thanks to our all of our staff for their unwavering commitment – they are the beating heart of our services – and our local communities for recognising the vital contribution that those staff make to improving the lives of thousands of people each and every day.'
