Orchard Care Centre
Recorded Key Question grade range: 3–4 — Adequate View on Care Inspectorate
Key Question scores
Requirements & recommendations
1. In order to support safe practice, compliance and effective external oversight, the service should ensure that all protection concerns and other notifiable events are reported to the Care Inspectorate in line with regulatory requirements. This is to ensure care and support is consistent with Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: "I benefit from different organisations working together and sharing information about me promptly where appropriate." (HSCS 4.18).
2. To ensure effective organisation of care, improved staff support and consistent oversight of practice, leadership presence should be strengthened, supporting leaders to make effective and efficient use of carer time, and ensuring that people's needs are met in a timely and safe manner. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS), which state that: "My care and support is consistent and stable because people work together well." (HSCS 3.19), and "I use a service and organisation that are well led and managed." (HSCS 4.23).
1. By 8 December 2025, the provider must improve the management of people's nutrition and fluid intake to ensure their health and wellbeing are supported. In order to achieve this, the provider must: a) Ensure kitchen records are fully aligned with current care plans and reflect each person’s dietary needs, including any modified or fortified diets. b) Establish clear processes for monitoring and responding to weight loss, ensuring this is regularly reviewed, discussed at clinical meetings, and acted upon. c) Ensure all staff understand and apply nutritional guidance consistently, including the use of food fortification and appropriate snacks. d) Ensure a three weekly update is provided on the progress on the management of people’s nutrition and hydration to the lead inspector. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) of the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210). This is to ensure that care and supp1. By 8 December 2025, the provider must ensure that leadership within the home is robust and that quality assurance and improvement are led effectively. To do this, the provider must: a) Review and strengthen the management structure to ensure appropriate oversight, including formal support arrangements when the manager or deputy is covering operational roles. b) Ensure all department leads, including kitchen and maintenance, are included in routine communication and oversight processes. c) Ensure the acting or permanent manager has full access to all relevant management systems and files to carry out their role effectively. d) Develop and maintain a structured, home-specific improvement plan that incorporates findings from audits, meetings, and feedback and includes clear actions, timescales, and accountability. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) of the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210).
1. By 8 December 2025, the provider must ensure that people experience care in an environment that is safe, well maintained, and minimises risk to their health and safety. In order to achieve this, the provider must: a) Address gaps and inconsistencies in internal maintenance processes, including room checks and water temperature testing, ensuring these are completed regularly and recorded accurately. b) Take immediate action to resolve identified risks related to water temperature monitoring, ensuring all outlets meet required temperature standards to prevent the risk of legionella. c) Improve staff knowledge and understanding of maintenance standards and testing procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and resident safety. This is to comply with regulations 4(1)(a) of the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210). This is t
1. The provider should make arrangements to enhance the overall dining experience for people living in the home. This should include but not be limited to improving the menu variety, creating a calm and enjoyable mealtime atmosphere, and ensuring staff interactions are meaningful and supportive. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS), which state that: "I can enjoy unhurried snack and mealtimes in as relaxed an atmosphere as possible.” (HSCS 1.35) "My meals and snacks meet my cultural and dietary needs, beliefs and preferences." (HSCS 1.37) "I am supported to make informed choices about my care and support." (HSCS 2.9)
1. The provider should review the environment to ensure it supports people’s orientation, independence, and wellbeing. This should include enhancing signage, wayfinding, and increasing meaningful points of interest throughout the home. While the low arousal approach adopted by the provider can benefit some individuals, a more balanced use of visual cues is needed to ensure all residents can navigate the environment confidently and feel engaged. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS), which state: "The premises have been adapted, equipped and furnished to meet my needs and wishes" (5.16)