Health partnership vows 'large scale' investigation into under-fire Maybole care home

South Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership has vowed to carry out a ‘large scale investigation’ into Fairknowe House Care Home after it was warned to make ‘significant improvements or face losing its registration by auditors.

The local authority and NHS panel will look into the findings from The Care Inspectorate following a visit over two days in November that found the Maybole elderly and dementia facility needed ‘urgent and significant improvements.’

Bosses at the HSCP say they received the report from the national care watchdog and are preparing a response, with the wellbeing and safety of residents their priority.

A spokesperson said: “South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) was notified by the Care Inspectorate of a number of concerns following a recent inspection at Fairknowe House, South Ayrshire.

“The HSCP immediately engaged with the provider to ensure the wellbeing of those we care for. It has been agreed that the HSCP will commence a Large Scale Investigation (LSI).

“This approach will involve a multi-disciplinary response working closely with the Care Home, staff and Care Inspectorate to safeguard residents and improve health and care standards.

“As part of this approach, the HSCP social work staff will be in contact with individual residents and / or their families to advise of the introduction of this Large Scale Investigation and as appropriate to review the support provided to those concerned.

“While this LSI is taken forward, the HSCP has been providing additional support to safeguard the safety of residents and to ensure standards within the home are upheld.

“All relevant stakeholders will be kept up to date on progress and improvements. We are unable to comment further while this investigation takes place.”

Issues around patient dignity and respect, privacy and questions over service users choosing when they wish to get up in the morning have all been detailed in the report.

Observations of the ‘competence of staff practice’ have also been flagged by the national auditor.

Fairknowe’s parent company Mead Medical Services Limited have now been given until January 19th, 2025, to fix problems highlighted or face potential closure.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: "We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for people experiencing care, their families and staff at the service. 

"However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of individuals. 

"We are in contact with and monitoring the service to follow up on the required improvements. 

"If we are not satisfied that sustained improvement has been made we will not hesitate to take further action. 

"Anyone with a concern about a service can contact us on 0345 600 9527."