'Significant concerns' about care home in Dumfries and Galloway

Inspectors have revealed "significant concerns" about the quality of care experienced by residents at a care home in the south-west of Scotland.

The operator of Munches Park House in Dalbeattie has been ordered to make improvements within six weeks, or it faces closure.

It has been told to ensure that the care provided meets the needs of residents and that their health and wellbeing is being protected.

Munches Park House, which is owned by Park Homes, is home to a maximum of 30 people, including older people with dementia.

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

"However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of people. Because of our concerns we have issued an improvement notice.

"This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified timeframe.

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

The improvement notice sets out a series of actions that need to be taken before 26 October, or inspectors will make a proposal to cancel the registration.

That could led to the closure of the home but the Care Inspectorate says this is rare and a "last resort".

The improvement notice says staff should work to meet the residents' needs by making sure care plans and risk assessments are up to date.

They should outline the needs of the people they look after in terms of weight management, skin care, food and fluid needs and support for bathing.

The report also requires that the operator ensures that the service is "effectively led and managed", and the health and wellbeing of residents is protected.

It says there must always been sufficient trained and skilled staff on duty to meet residents' needs.

And it adds that, by 5 October, all "notifiable events" should be recognised and reported in good time to the Care Inspectorate.

Munches Park House and Park Homes have been contacted for a response.