A SAUCHIE care home's staff have been praised for the support shown to residents during the coronavirus pandemic, but some weaknesses which increase the risk of Covid-19 spreading must be addressed.

The was the assessment of the Care Inspectorate, following a visit to Beechwood Park on August 21.

In a report published after the inspection, the watchdog noted the 53 residents of the care home on Main Street were generally receiving a high standard of care and support.

The report said: "People could be assured that they were being cared for by a staff team who knew them well and were responsive to their needs.

"Staff were kind in their approach and people looked well cared for."

Indeed, one resident told the inspectorate: "I just call for the staff and they get me whatever I need."

However, the report – which focused on services provided during the Covid-19 Pandemic – identified some weaknesses around infection prevention and control.

For example, the report said: "Some hand soap and alcohol hand gel dispensers were empty, and there were no arrangements in place to ensure that these were being regularly checked and refilled."

However, it also recognised that staff maintained physical distancing and sanitised their hands frequently.

The report also noted that while supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) were plentiful, "staff did not know how to remove PPE safely which meant that they were at risk of self-contamination".

What's more, it said some staff spoken to by inspectors "were not familiar with the current guidance for care homes from Health Protection Scotland".

These issues resulted in the care home being rated "adequate", with a score of three out of six, for the care and support it provided residents during the pandemic.

But the report acknowledged that all issues identified were raised with the care home to ensure they can be addressed.

To read the report, visit tinyurl.com/y2f3e3ml.