Lack of information on care home protection 'frustrating and unsettling'
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A LACK of information on how care home residents and staff can be protected during the coronavirus crisis has been described as "frustrating and unsettling".
Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant criticised the Scottish Government and NHS Highland on their response after a constituent compared the situation to "putting sticking plasters on gaping holes".
However, the health board says it ensures supplies of personal protection equipment (PPE) are "available to meet demand". Local care homes contacted by the John O'Groat Journal said they have the equipment they need.
Mrs Grant raised the matter with NHS Highland’s interim chief executive, Paul Hawkins, last month after a constituent who had relatives in a care home asked about the protocol if residents were to be kept out of hospital and have appropriate treatment such as palliative care.
The Labour MSP asked questions about PPE, oxygen and other necessary supplies for care homes, as well as the recruitment of additional staff.
The constituent, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims agency staff, who are filling vacancies, should be based in one home only – and not moved around – to stop the spread of the virus.
The person also says that to avoid the spread of infection in the community there must be continuity of carers for people requiring care in their own homes with the government funding the bill.
"None of this is happening. The crisis of the coronavirus leaves us in a position of putting sticking plasters on gaping holes in care provision," the person said.
Mrs Grant said: "These are all valid concerns raised by my constituent, speaking no doubt for many in our area.
"I realise these are difficult times for the health authority, for frontline staff and for the Scottish Government, but the lack of information on serious concerns such as these is frustrating and unsettling, especially for those who have loved ones in care.
"I am hoping these questions can be urgently addressed. However, in the longer term, the way society views carers has to change, solidifying their position as key workers who need to be valued."
Mrs Grant put down a parliamentary question on the issue but does not expect to get a reply until early next month.
A spokeswoman for NHS Highland said: "Our levels of PPE are reviewed daily by senior managers. We continue to monitor stock levels across all sites including available supplies planned for delivery to NHS Highland to ensure sufficient stock will be available at an appropriate level to meet demand."
A spokeswoman for Pentland View care home in Thurso said: "We are working very closely with Health Protection Scotland and playing our part in trying to keep residents and staff safe and well. As a large care home provider we have a robust supply chain and currently have PPE where it is needed, in line with public health guidance.
"We are confident in the processes in our homes with all of our staff trained in infection control, and our staff have been brilliant in implementing this."
Staff were said to be happy with stocks of personal protective equipment at Bayview House care home in Thurso, while at the Seaview House care home in Wick a member of staff said: "There are currently plenty of supplies of PPE here."
