THE Care Inspectorate has revealed serious concerns over how some homes are responding to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Under coronavirus legislation, the organisation is required to submit reports every two weeks to the Scottish Parliament outlining the findings of any checks carried out during that period.

Current inspections are focusing on the response to the pandemic and issues including infection prevention and control.

Its first report, which covers the period from May 27 to June 5, found generally good practice in the 13 care homes inspected but raised some concerns over infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE).

A serious concerns letter was issued to Newcarron Court Care Home in Falkirk, with six requirements the service must meet.

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The Care Inspectorate expressed "significant concerns about the cleanliness of environment internally and externally, infection prevention and control practices, access to and management of PPE, and management of contaminated waste".

But it also observed "kind and compassionate interactions between staff and people who live" at the home, which provides care to 116 people.

The health and social care partnership will now support the care home ahead of a follow-up visit.

The Care Inspectorate also visited Almond View Care Home in Glasgow, which had previously been issued a serious concerns letter.

It found the home "working very differently" with "changes in practice" and significantly reduced risks.

Spynie care home in Elgin, Moray, which has an improvement notice in place, is now "operating to a good standard", the report found.

"Significant concerns" relating to supply and use of PPE, infection prevention and control practices, and staff knowledge was raised at Drummond Grange in Midlothian.

But a follow-up inspection found improvements and that requirements made in a serious concerns letter were met.

The Care Inspectorate also visited Home Farm Care Home in Portree, Skye, where 10 residents have died with Covid-19.

The Inspectorate is currently engaged in legal action against the home's operator, HC-One, that could see the cancellation of the service's registration.

The inspection report will be published on conclusion of the court proceedings.

Other concerns raised in the report include issues with disposal of PPE and problems with social distancing.