A GALASHIELS nursing home says it is “extremely disappointed” after care inspectors rated it ‘weak’ in three categories.

The scoring of Galashiels Nursing Home, on Kirk Brae, was based on an unannounced Care Inspectorate visit carried out over two days – August 11 and 16.

The scrutiny body rates care services using a six-point scale where 1 is ‘unsatisfactory’ and 6 is ‘excellent’.

READ MORE: Borders MSP ‘really saddened’ by ‘vandalism’ to Galashiels statue

The home scored a 2, ‘weak’, for care and support during the coronavirus pandemic; support of people’s wellbeing; and leadership.

The Care Inspectorate report, issued last week, states: “Mealtimes were not a positive experience. People were eating and drinking from plastic plates and cups, which some people had specifically said they did not like.

“People having meals in their rooms were served their meal without any tray or table which resulted in them having to hold [the] plate with one hand and using the other to hold cutlery and eat.

“A lack of consistent support at meals meant clothing could be stained and this was not always addressed by staff. This did not reflect dignified or respectful care.”

READ MORE: Borders MP to meet with train provider regarding service changes

It adds: “Activity records showed that few activities were taking place. This led to many people not being able to pass their time in a meaningful way.

“Some one-to-one activities did take place with the activity co-ordinator but these were very limited opportunities.

“We were concerned that for some people, who spent time in their bedrooms, that they experienced periods of isolation with limited stimulation.”

On the home’s care and support during the pandemic, the report states: “The home was not cleaned to an acceptable standard. There was food debris under tables and chairs, and on the dining room floor.

“Some mattresses and bedding were stained, and bedding was of poor quality. Not all bathrooms in use had soap in them, which is an essential part of handwashing.

“A deep clean of the home was organised after our first visit on August 11.

READ MORE: People are urinating in Borders garden targeted by vandals, meeting hears

“Staff had completed training on effective handwashing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control, however this learning was not always evident in their practice.”

In response to the findings, a Galashiels Nursing Home spokesperson said: “The management and staff are extremely disappointed with our last CI [Care Inspectorate] inspection.

“Over the last 18 months the staff have worked above and beyond in keeping COVID out of our home with no positive cases registered amongst our residents.

“We have addressed a lot of the points brought up in the inspection already and are working very closely with the council, NHS and CI to address the rest.

“We are extremely confident we will be able to do this in a timely manner and will then look to be reassessed and get our grades back up to where they should be.”