SCOTLAND'S care watchdog has called for improvements at a facility in Catrine for people with autistic spectrum disorders - though families of the people who use the service have sung the praises of staff.

The Care Inspectorate rated the quality of leadership, and quality of support for people's wellbeing, at Catrine Bank as "adequate".

They said "key areas need to improve" in the quality of care and support provided to service users - and their assessment of the service's leadership found that "strengths only just outweighed weaknesses".

But a newly-published report also mentions some of the high praise given to staff by family members of some of the service users. 

Catrine Bank, on Sorn Road, is operated by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and is registered to provide a housing support and care at home service for up to 29 people, aged 16 years and over, who have an autistic spectrum disorder.

At the time of the unannounced visit by a single inspector, which took place over five days on February 28 and March 1, 2, 7 and 8, the service was supporting 20 people on site and one on an outreach basis in the community.

The watchdog's report says the NAS should ensure each person receiving care has a detailed support plan with accurate and up-to-date information, as well as accurate, up-to-date and regularly-reviewed risk assessments and regular detailed care reviews.

The report also says that "communication and recording in relation to health and wellbeing needs should be consistent across the service".

The inspector said that while quality assurance processes were in place at the facility, "these were not always being used to identify and action improvements".

They also identified that while there was "a range of audits in place" to identify gaps in practice and required improvements in relation to medication, finance and the environment, "these were not completed consistently across the service".

The report added: "Areas for improvement were highlighted on some occasions, but it was not always clear that actions were identified and were completed."

The inspector's report also mentioned that the service has "a large number of staff vacancies, which has resulted in senior staff providing more hands-on support", and that this had had an impact on support for service users and their outcomes, particularly in relation to outings.

It added: "Management recognise the impact of high staff vacancies and require to continue working to increase staff retention and recruitment."

The report also said senior staff were aware of areas that needed to improve.

However, the report also quotes family members of service users - and here the verdict was entirely positive.

One relativesaid: "Having a supportive team, who are patient, kind, respectful and part of an organisation that is so autism friendly, has made a hugely positive difference to [the service user's] life.

"She is happier, and loves where she lives and the things she can do as part of the centre there."

Another added: "We are very happy with the support provided. The care and support is outstanding."

One other relative said that subtle changes made by the service has allowed their son to live a much fuller and happier life.

They said: "Our son has the ability to live a full and interesting life in an environment that he finds safe and comfortable.

"For us it means that we know that he is always in good care and we don't need to worry for him. The peace of mind is invaluable to us."

Peter Jung, Head of Services (Scotland and Northern Ireland) at the National Autistic Society, said: "We were very pleased that the Care Inspector recognised the passion and commitment our staff bring to the person-centred support they provide.

"That is reflected in the Grade 5 that staff received in relation to individuals’ experiences of compassion, dignity and respect.

"Like other Social Care organisations, we faced significant challenges throughout the pandemic, some of which are ongoing. This has been the focus over the last few years and is perhaps reflected in some of the other grades received.

"We welcome the constructive comments we received from this inspection and are committed to ensuring we take any steps necessary to continue improving the way we work, and give the people we support the life they choose."