Care home ordered to improve as inspectors raise ‘serious’ concerns

An award-winning care home has been issued with an improvement notice.

Braehill Lodge, which was family-owned until April, is registered for up to 24 older people.

In September last year, the care home in Carnoustie, Angus, received a favourable report from the Care Inspectorate.

However on Thursday, the Care Inspectorate warned of “distress” caused to residents, staff and families, with an improvement notice issued, following an unannounced visit.

Inspectors “identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care”.

Failure to comply with the improvement notice by November 24 could lead to the home’s registration being cancelled.

The improvement notice mandates adequate staffing “on every shift to ensure that people’s basic health, safety, and wellbeing needs are met, and that staff are visible and accessible”, and that “effective reviews of staffing levels are regularly undertaken”.

It also said staff must “investigate all accident, incidents and adverse events to identify actions to be taken to mitigate reoccurrence”, and the home must also “ensure all staff respond to any concerns or complaints raised to ensure people’s safety and wellbeing”.

The improvement notice mandates staff to ensure residents receive medication as prescribed, that care is carried out in accordance with infection control procedures, and that adequate charts maintained.

The care home was also told to ensure residents receive “safe and compassionate care that meets their health, safety and wellbeing needs and preferences”.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Braehill Lodge in Carnoustie.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service.

“However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of residents.

“Because of our concerns we have issued an improvement notice.

“This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified timeframe.

“We are in contact with and monitoring the service to follow up on the required improvements.”

It said a report of the most recent inspection will be published in due course.

Sharon Saunders, operations director at Braehill Lodge, said: “Braehill Lodge was acquired at the end of March 2025. From the outset, we conducted a thorough review of the service and identified key areas for improvement.

“Since then, we have been actively implementing targeted enhancements and strengthening our operational systems to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards. We fully acknowledge the findings of the recent Care Inspectorate inspection and take all feedback very seriously.

“A comprehensive improvement plan is already in place, and we are confident in our ability to deploy the necessary resources and deliver the required actions within the specified time frames.

“To further reinforce our commitment to sustained improvement, we have appointed new management with a clear mandate to drive operational excellence and maintain continuous oversight of quality standards.

“Braehill Lodge remains fully committed to working constructively with the Care Inspectorate and all stakeholders to ensure the ongoing delivery of safe, high-quality care.”