Fife care home worker warned after shouting incidents

Joanne Muir, who was working at Craigie House in Crossgates at the time as a Senior Care Assistant, was investigated over two allegations of misconduct.

In a report by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) she is said to have caused "emotional and psychological harm" to two service users.

The watchdog found that, while helping a resident who was lying on the ground following a fall, Ms Muir shouted: "She is covered in s****", or words to that effect.

She also shouted "Her ass is in my face,’ or words to that effect, and "Think she pish on me," or words to that effect.

During a separate incident on an unknown date she caused a service user distress after shouting: "Don't you shout at her like that", or words to that effect.

The SSSC placed a warning on Ms Muir's registration for a period of one year from July 19.

The report stated that she had "failed to show a level of insight or remorse" for her behaviour and that the incidents "may relate to an underlying values issue".

It said: "You have on more than one occasion shouted at service users in your care.

"You have used inappropriate language whilst communicating with AA and BB which was likely to have caused emotional and psychological harm."

It added that her actions were "likely to impact" the first resident's "self-esteem and wellbeing."

The report continued: "You have failed to show a level of insight or remorse for your behaviour.

"You admitted to your employer that you shouted at BB because you didn’t like the way that BB was speaking to another service user.

"You were employed as a senior care assistant and should have been role-modelling good practice to your colleagues and service users."

Prior to the incidents, Ms Muir had worked in social services for "a long time" and, according to the SSSC, had a "good history of working in the social services sector".

Craigie House was previously run by Kingdom Homes but was recently taken over by Holmes Care Group.

In response to the case, a spokesperson for Craigie House Care Home said: “we were horrified to learn of this incident, all residents deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and their health, safety and wellbeing will always be our top priority.”

“The individual was immediately suspended pending an investigation and is no longer an employee at the care home.”

“Since the Holmes Care Group took over management of the home from Kingdom Homes, we have implemented a robust service improvement plan.

"This includes the appointment of a new manager in June who is receiving regular support from our senior team to ensure the home meets the high standards of care which residents deserve and expect.”

A Care Inspectorate report released earlier this month found that residents of Craigie House had been left in "discomfort and pain" after waiting to be transferred out of wheelchairs and into comfortable seating.

It also said that people were at risk because nutrition and hydration needs were not met and that service users were underweight.

In addition, the unannounced visit on June 6 found that lunch service was "chaotic", with people "sat for long periods without being served or interacted with".

The report said: "Some people were not offered all courses, until we intervened, because staff were so busy.

"Some people were not offered a drink and those that were, were not always encouraged to drink it, again due to lack of staff presence and oversight of the mealtime."

It added: "Recent staffing issues meant that out with these times there were limited staff available to engage with people beyond routine tasks.

"One person said, 'the girls don't have time to sit and chat.'

"People who remained in their rooms could wait for long periods before buzzers were answered.

"At times this meant delays to their personal care and toileting needs".

Inspectors said there were "significant risks to people" in the home, "including falls, stress and distress, continence, hydration, pain management and weight loss".

They said people were at risk because communication was "poor" and there was "insufficient" staffing levels.

There were also gaps in the knowledge and understanding of workers in areas including dementia.

The report acknowledged that the service had gone through a "period of managerial instability" and that a newly appointed manager had given assurance that improvements would be made.

Inspectors added that they saw "some very kind interactions between staff and the people they care for and support".

Commenting on the report, a spokesperson for Craigie House Care Home said: "The health, safety and wellbeing of residents will always be our top priority, and the report recognises the warmth, compassion and respect with which residents are treated at the home. However, we are disappointed it also highlights concerns with some aspects of care.

“As the report acknowledges, we appointed a new manager in June who will implement a robust service improvement plan with support from our senior team who are providing onsite training and support.

“We are confident that when the Care Inspectorate returns in September the home will meet the high standards of care which we pride ourselves on and that residents deserve and expect.”