Coatbridge care home's remorse over breach of Covid-19 social distancing rules

DJ's morale-boosting visit saw vulnerable residents dance together and share a microphone

A COATBRIDGE care home has expressed remorse for breaching social distancing rules after allowing vulnerable residents to dance together and share a microphone during a visit from a pub DJ.

Staff at Carnbroe Care Centre defied the national rule to keep people two-metres apart during the coronavirus pandemic when Andy Cumming was brought in to entertain residents during a morale-boosting Clap For Our Carers event that was warmly received by residents and staff.

Video footage showed workers without PPE equipment sitting linked together while performing a dance; they can also be seen swaying their arms outside the entrance of the Paddock Street facility.

The incident, which took place last month, has been reported to the health protection team at NHS Lanarkshire by watchdogs the Care Inspectorate, which has “vigorously reinforced” coronavirus guidelines with the home’s management.

Event organiser Mandy Cameron defended the “emotional” gathering – and paid tribute to staff at the Carnbroe home.

She said: “The event took place outsude at 7pm and the staff were off duty.

“There have been zero Covid-19-related deaths or suspected cases at the home and PPE guidelines state that PPE shouldn’t be worn outside care homes, so that’s why the workers didn’t have PPE on.

“I just wanted to do something to cheer up the residents and staff and it was a very emotional event.

“Some of the staff were crying just after Andy finished performing and I was told one of the residents said it was ‘the best pantomime I’ve ever been to’.

“I’ve known Andy a long time and he’s an amazing entertainer who would never put anyone at risk.

“The staff at the home are all amazing and doing all they can to help and support the residents and their families.”

Coatbridge MSP Fulton MacGregor reminded the Carnbroe staff about their responsibilities – and is preparing to assist care home teams across his constituency.

He told the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser: “Lockdown has been hard for everyone, and I really appreciate the work care home staff are doing to help protect and care for vulnerable residents.

“However, they need to follow the government guidelines as they are in everyone’s best interests.

“The rules are there to protect people, especially the elderly and vulnerable residents who stay in care homes.

“I am working on an engagement exercise with all care homes across my constituency that will take the concerns of staff, carers and residents at this very difficult time on board.”

There have been 1623 coronavirus-related deaths in Scottish care homes – 46 per cent of all fatalities linked to the killer bug in Scotland.

Carnbroe Care Centre, which is owned by the Alpha Care Management Services, provides nursing care for up to 74 elderly residents and those suffering from dementia.

A spokesman said the facility had been unaffected by Covid-19 and none of its staff or residents had been infected by the illness.

He added: “Our priority is always the wellbeing of our residents and giving them the best possible care experience.

“We have organised a number of social events to allow residents to enjoy themselves during what is an extremely difficult time for everyone.

“The event in question was organised at short notice by the family of a resident and took place in the car park of the home.

“We acknowledge that the appropriate social distancing measures and use of PPE – followed vigilantly within the confines of the home since we introduced them before government guidance was issued – were not fully implemented on this occasion.”

DJ Cumming also apologised for his part in the incident, adding: “I’m sorry if any rules were broken, although the mics were consistently wiped with sterilisers.

“I was under the impression the carers worked closely together in the home, so there wouldn’t be much of a problem.

“I was unaware that some people had been videoing it on their phones.

“No PPE advice was given and, after you have made me aware, I do admit that the set was irresponsible.”

A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: “We are in contact with this care home and have discussed this with management.

“We have vigorously reinforced the need for physical distancing and continued vigilance to keep residents safe, and have noted that the matter has also been reported to Public Health colleagues.”

North Lanarkshire Council confirmed they are aware of the video and have discussed it with the Care Inspectorate.