THE owner of a private nursing home which was served an enforcement order by fire chiefs has announced its closure after more than 30 years in operation.
Mairi Wood, who established Adamwood Nursing Home, in Musselburgh, with her husband in the 1980s has said she is retiring at the age of 78.
The announcement comes as it was revealed that the Ravensheugh Road home, which has up to 13 residents, has been given weeks by the Care Inspectorate to improve its fire safety procedures or lose its registration.
The Care Inspectorate issued an Improvement Notice last week after inspectors visited the home amid concern for people’s safety.
A report by inspectors said safety at the home had been ‘compromised’ by poor maintenance of the home, with concerns about fire doors and glass not being maintained or upgraded.
The visit was sparked after Scottish Fire and Rescue service issued an enforcement notice on provider Rollandene Ltd.
A Care Inspectorate report revealed it sent the home a letter of serious concern, following the enforcement notice, ordering the home with immediate effect to increase staff on duty at night to ensure safe evacuation of residents in the event of a fire or other emergency.
It had also been ordered to introduce a fire safety consultant to draw up a plan for the home including training for staff and evacuations procedures and to introduce a valid electrical installation condition test and have a valid test certificate available.
Despite meeting the requirement ahead of the inspectors visit on June 1, the home received a grade two rating or ‘weak’ for the quality of its leadership, its setting and care and support during the Covid pandemic.
The inspectors report said: “Although the improvements made met the requirements in the letter of serious concern, the sustainability of these improvements needed to be demonstrated.
“People’s safety was compromised because of poor maintenance of the home, particularly around reducing the risks of fire.
“Evacuation of people in the event of a fire would also need to be undertaken quickly because fire doors and glass had not been well maintained or upgraded.”
In a statement issued this afternoon Mrs Wood said: "After 31 years of service at Adamwood Nursing Home, and at 78-years-old, I have taken the decision to step into retirement and close the home.
"My husband and I built Adamwood Nursing Home from a derelict building in Musselburgh which became an important lifeline to many in our local community.
"Care has played an integral part in my life, and the residents I have served over the years have become close friends.
"Informing the residents and their families of my decision has been extremely difficult and has left many understandably disappointed and saddened.
"It is important to me that everyone involved in Adamwood Nursing Home continues to receive the best care possible.
"With that in mind, every resident and member of staff will be rehomed and relocated to local care homes which I trust wholeheartedly.
"This is a decision I haven't taken lightly, but after three decades of service in the local community I feel now is the right time to step down.
"I would like to thank all present and past staff, residents and their families for supporting me over the years."
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