Kalisgarth staff praised for “dedicated and compassionate” service

Staff at Kalisgarth and Very Sheltered Housing on Westray are “dedicated, compassionate and genuinely care for the people they support”.

And those receiving care feel “respected and valued” and are “very happy” with the service, according to the Care Inspectorate, following an unannounced inspection of the service between 26 April and 7 June 2023.

While the staff were familiar with people's needs and preferences and service users enjoyed a range of meaningful activities, inspectors found that staffing levels and the external management support provided required improvement.

That said, inspectors rated how well people’s wellbeing was supported as “good” and the leadership as “adequate”.

Orkney Health and Social Care Chief Officer, Stephen Brown, said: “Our social care staff work over and above to help those who need care – we know this ourselves as an employer but, vitally, residents, service users and their family members, on the whole, also speak to this and are incredibly grateful for the care that staff give to loved ones.

“To hear some of the comments by those receiving the care is always heartening and the inspector has only confirmed this further. One tenant said, ‘I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else’ and another ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’ - this is testament to their hard work and I thank them personally.

“The staffing arrangements are being reviewed and we will be endeavouring to ensure that improvements are in place by the required 1 November 2023 date, or sooner if possible. But we are all more than aware recruitment and retention is not an issue unique to Orkney and health and social care pressures are growing year on year – this can be heightened when looking to recruit in a small island area.

“Through the Join Us recruitment campaign the Council is working hard to try and attract people into all sectors, including care – whether that be from within the county to further afield. Orkney is a wonderful place to live with a lifestyle that is second to none.

“We continue to ask people within our communities to consider a career in care – there are many staff who have shared wonderful stories of how impactful and life-changing for the better a career caring for others can be.

“Please find more information here: www.orkney.gov.uk/wecare .”

Kalisgarth and Very Sheltered Housing is a purpose-built care centre of seven self-contained flats, a one bedded respite care facility and an additional day care unit. Additional accommodation is provided to the rear of the core building.

The tenants and respite guests can attend the day service where they have opportunities to socialise with people from the wider community.

Kalisgarth focuses mainly on providing care for older people, but it also addresses the needs of the whole community, providing support for people with a physical or learning disability.

The full report can be viewed here: https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/inspection-reports