National care inspectors praise Edinburgh care home

A national care watchdog has given an Edinburgh care home its seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising its caring team members.

The Care Inspectorate, the regulator for health and social care in Scotland, rated Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, ‘very good’ following an unannounced inspection.

The home is now rated a ‘very good’ rating in its leadership and support for resident wellbeing.

The report highlighted the holistic approach to care promoted at the home and the strong relationships team members have formed with residents, treating residents with “compassion, dignity and respect”. 

Inspectors noted how this welcoming environment put residents at ease, allowing team members to better support those in their care to live independent and fulfilling lives. 

One relative commented: "I can't fault the care from the staff, she's settled in and made some friends".

The team also organise a range of meaningful activities for residents, including engaging with the local community through day trips and welcoming children from the local nursery. Encouraging residents to lead independent and fulfilling lives, members of the lifestyle team also support residents to get involved with activities around the home, including gardening.

One resident commented: "I enjoy getting out and doing some gardening. I particularly like planting".

Inspectors observed the warm atmosphere created by the helpful and friendly team members, who spend time getting to know residents and their history and interests, allowing them to provide activity plans tailored to each resident’s needs.

One healthcare professional commented: "They [the team] are considerate and compassionate and have good knowledge of [residents]."

Inspectors were impressed with the respectful relationships between team members at the home, with senior team members being described as supportive, and keen to listen to new ideas. One team member said: “I love it here”, and another echoed this sentiment when they added: “I love this job, the managers are so supportive.”

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “Being awarded a ‘very good’ Care Inspectorate rating truly reflects the passion of our team members who ensure each and every resident receives high-quality, tailored care, and we’re thrilled with the result. 

“We have a fantastic team here at Murrayside and it is through their dedication and enthusiasm that we are able to support residents to lead active, and fulfilled lives. I’d like to thank everyone at the home for their continued commitment, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”

To assess service standards at Murrayside, the Care Inspectorate inspectors spoke with team members, residents, and their visiting relatives on the day of the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.

Murrayside care home has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.