The vital care sector across Scotland remains under constant scrutiny from dedicated regulatory bodies, ensuring that vulnerable individuals consistently receive the highest possible standards of support. Recent comprehensive reports from leading oversight organisations – including the Care Inspectorate, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – provide crucial insights into a range of decisions impacting both care facilities and individual professionals throughout Perth and Kinross, as well as the wider Tayside and Fife regions. These updates illuminate areas where significant improvements are mandated and highlight instances where disciplinary actions have been taken to uphold the fundamental principles of quality care and professional conduct.
A notable development concerning the nursing profession in the broader Angus area involves registered nurse Linda Jean Hood, who has formally agreed to be removed from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. This decision follows a series of serious allegations that first emerged in 2019, which cast a shadow over her professional practice. The reported concerns encompassed alleged lapses in medicines management, failures in accurate patient record-keeping, deficiencies in communication, and inadequacies in care planning. Furthermore, there was a particularly troubling claim that Ms. Hood had engaged in “unkind” verbal interactions with a resident. While the NMC’s formal process had not yet reached a point where these specific allegations were “substantively proved,” Ms. Hood’s application for agreed removal in June signals her definitive intention to cease practicing in the sector, leading to the regulatory body’s acceptance of her request. This measure powerfully underscores the NMC’s unwavering commitment to public protection and to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity within the nursing field.
Further reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding care standards, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has taken decisive action against Paula McGregor, who previously held a managerial position at an unnamed playgroup in Arbroath. Ms. McGregor has been officially struck off the SSSC register due to severe professional misconduct. Her actions included the forgery of a colleague’s signature on a cheque, which she then issued to herself in October 2021. Compounding this breach of trust, in August 2022, she reportedly cashed another cheque from her employer for £1,600, illicitly retaining the funds for her personal use. The SSSC’s investigation also uncovered that she falsified an invoice from a company, indicating a clear pattern of financial impropriety that fundamentally betrayed the trust inherent in her managerial responsibilities. Such stringent actions by the SSSC are absolutely essential for upholding public confidence in the honesty and reliability of care workers. Positive Progress in Perthshire Care Homes
Closer to home in Perthshire, Muirton House Care Home in Blairgowrie has recently seen the conclusion of a significant investigation into its operations. Health authorities have expressed their satisfaction with the corrective measures that have since been implemented by the management. This “large-scale” probe was initially launched after serious concerns were raised by the family of a resident. The Care Inspectorate had previously upheld the complaints, prompting a thorough review of the facility, which provides care for elderly individuals and those living with dementia and learning difficulties. The positive resolution of this investigation is a reassuring outcome for the local Perthshire community, indicating that the home has diligently addressed the identified issues and is actively working towards providing a safer and more effective care environment for its residents.
Another Perthshire facility, ASC The Grange in Balbeggie, which offers residential support for adults with learning disabilities, has demonstrated “significant improvement” following its latest visit from the Care Inspectorate. While some core assessment areas were “not assessed” during this particular inspection, the report highlights substantial positive strides made by the management and staff in rectifying previously identified deficiencies. Despite this encouraging progress, the home still has outstanding requirements to further enhance and diversify activities available to residents, ensure their health and wellbeing needs are consistently and comprehensively met, and update individual care plans to align with current best practices. This ongoing oversight is designed to ensure the continued positive development and sustained quality of care at the facility. Regulatory Actions in Neighbouring Dundee and Fife
In Dundee, social care worker Frank Omoikholo has faced official sanctions from the SSSC due to professional misconduct involving the improper use of his mobile phone during working hours. The incidents occurred in May and June 2024, during his employment with Cornerstone Community Care. Mr. Omoikholo was found to have used his personal mobile phone while actively providing support to a service user, a clear violation of professional guidelines. Furthermore, he failed to adhere to established risk assessment protocols by remaining outside during a service user’s refreshment break, rather than accompanying the individual as required when out in the community. The SSSC has responded by placing specific conditions on his registration, including a mandatory requirement for further training, to address these conduct issues and reinforce proper professional boundaries.
Lochleven Care Home in Dundee has also been found to have failed to meet critical requirements issued after a prior inspection in May. The facility was specifically instructed to establish clear post-fall protocols and ensure its staff received comprehensive training on procedures to follow if a resident experiences a fall. Regrettably, the stipulated deadline of June 16 was not met. However, the Care Inspectorate’s report from the July visit acknowledges that a new manager had recently been appointed to the home, and the service was actively transitioning to new operational systems. This contextual information suggests a period of adjustment for the home as it endeavours to address the outstanding compliance issues and improve its standards.
Across in Dunfermline, social care worker Elaine Bohlin has been formally disciplined by the SSSC for inappropriate and unprofessional conduct. The disciplinary action stems from incidents in early 2024, during her employment with Kingdom Support and Care CIC. Ms. Bohlin made concerning comments to colleagues about another worker’s health and personal life. Specifically, she advised a colleague to “be careful” around the unnamed individual and sent a text message stating: “I know personal stuff about her that I wouldn’t disclose to anyone, be cautious.” These actions were determined to be a clear breach of professional boundaries and confidentiality. The SSSC has responded by placing conditions on her registration, mandating that she inform her employer of the watchdog’s probe and undertake refresher training to address the issues identified.
Finally, Benholm Nursing Home in Forfar has been instructed to implement various improvements after inspectors highlighted “a range of concerns” during a recent visit. Among the required enhancements is significant refurbishment and renovation work throughout the facility, with a deadline of October 31. Inspectors noted issues such as peeling wallpaper, chipped woodwork, and stained carpets and flooring, indicating a clear need for a refreshed and improved physical environment for residents. This directive is aimed at ensuring that the living conditions at Benholm Nursing Home meet expected standards of comfort and hygiene for all individuals residing there.
These recent reports collectively highlight the continuous and rigorous commitment of regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce high standards across the entire care sector in Perthshire, Tayside, and Fife. While some facilities and individuals have faced necessary disciplinary actions or strict requirements for improvement, others are demonstrating positive progress and a dedication to rectifying issues. This ongoing vigilance is absolutely crucial for maintaining accountability, fostering trust, and ultimately ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals receiving care within our communities.
A notable development concerning the nursing profession in the broader Angus area involves registered nurse Linda Jean Hood, who has formally agreed to be removed from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. This decision follows a series of serious allegations that first emerged in 2019, which cast a shadow over her professional practice. The reported concerns encompassed alleged lapses in medicines management, failures in accurate patient record-keeping, deficiencies in communication, and inadequacies in care planning. Furthermore, there was a particularly troubling claim that Ms. Hood had engaged in “unkind” verbal interactions with a resident. While the NMC’s formal process had not yet reached a point where these specific allegations were “substantively proved,” Ms. Hood’s application for agreed removal in June signals her definitive intention to cease practicing in the sector, leading to the regulatory body’s acceptance of her request. This measure powerfully underscores the NMC’s unwavering commitment to public protection and to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity within the nursing field.
Further reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding care standards, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has taken decisive action against Paula McGregor, who previously held a managerial position at an unnamed playgroup in Arbroath. Ms. McGregor has been officially struck off the SSSC register due to severe professional misconduct. Her actions included the forgery of a colleague’s signature on a cheque, which she then issued to herself in October 2021. Compounding this breach of trust, in August 2022, she reportedly cashed another cheque from her employer for £1,600, illicitly retaining the funds for her personal use. The SSSC’s investigation also uncovered that she falsified an invoice from a company, indicating a clear pattern of financial impropriety that fundamentally betrayed the trust inherent in her managerial responsibilities. Such stringent actions by the SSSC are absolutely essential for upholding public confidence in the honesty and reliability of care workers. Positive Progress in Perthshire Care Homes
Closer to home in Perthshire, Muirton House Care Home in Blairgowrie has recently seen the conclusion of a significant investigation into its operations. Health authorities have expressed their satisfaction with the corrective measures that have since been implemented by the management. This “large-scale” probe was initially launched after serious concerns were raised by the family of a resident. The Care Inspectorate had previously upheld the complaints, prompting a thorough review of the facility, which provides care for elderly individuals and those living with dementia and learning difficulties. The positive resolution of this investigation is a reassuring outcome for the local Perthshire community, indicating that the home has diligently addressed the identified issues and is actively working towards providing a safer and more effective care environment for its residents.
Another Perthshire facility, ASC The Grange in Balbeggie, which offers residential support for adults with learning disabilities, has demonstrated “significant improvement” following its latest visit from the Care Inspectorate. While some core assessment areas were “not assessed” during this particular inspection, the report highlights substantial positive strides made by the management and staff in rectifying previously identified deficiencies. Despite this encouraging progress, the home still has outstanding requirements to further enhance and diversify activities available to residents, ensure their health and wellbeing needs are consistently and comprehensively met, and update individual care plans to align with current best practices. This ongoing oversight is designed to ensure the continued positive development and sustained quality of care at the facility. Regulatory Actions in Neighbouring Dundee and Fife
In Dundee, social care worker Frank Omoikholo has faced official sanctions from the SSSC due to professional misconduct involving the improper use of his mobile phone during working hours. The incidents occurred in May and June 2024, during his employment with Cornerstone Community Care. Mr. Omoikholo was found to have used his personal mobile phone while actively providing support to a service user, a clear violation of professional guidelines. Furthermore, he failed to adhere to established risk assessment protocols by remaining outside during a service user’s refreshment break, rather than accompanying the individual as required when out in the community. The SSSC has responded by placing specific conditions on his registration, including a mandatory requirement for further training, to address these conduct issues and reinforce proper professional boundaries.
Lochleven Care Home in Dundee has also been found to have failed to meet critical requirements issued after a prior inspection in May. The facility was specifically instructed to establish clear post-fall protocols and ensure its staff received comprehensive training on procedures to follow if a resident experiences a fall. Regrettably, the stipulated deadline of June 16 was not met. However, the Care Inspectorate’s report from the July visit acknowledges that a new manager had recently been appointed to the home, and the service was actively transitioning to new operational systems. This contextual information suggests a period of adjustment for the home as it endeavours to address the outstanding compliance issues and improve its standards.
Across in Dunfermline, social care worker Elaine Bohlin has been formally disciplined by the SSSC for inappropriate and unprofessional conduct. The disciplinary action stems from incidents in early 2024, during her employment with Kingdom Support and Care CIC. Ms. Bohlin made concerning comments to colleagues about another worker’s health and personal life. Specifically, she advised a colleague to “be careful” around the unnamed individual and sent a text message stating: “I know personal stuff about her that I wouldn’t disclose to anyone, be cautious.” These actions were determined to be a clear breach of professional boundaries and confidentiality. The SSSC has responded by placing conditions on her registration, mandating that she inform her employer of the watchdog’s probe and undertake refresher training to address the issues identified.
Finally, Benholm Nursing Home in Forfar has been instructed to implement various improvements after inspectors highlighted “a range of concerns” during a recent visit. Among the required enhancements is significant refurbishment and renovation work throughout the facility, with a deadline of October 31. Inspectors noted issues such as peeling wallpaper, chipped woodwork, and stained carpets and flooring, indicating a clear need for a refreshed and improved physical environment for residents. This directive is aimed at ensuring that the living conditions at Benholm Nursing Home meet expected standards of comfort and hygiene for all individuals residing there.
These recent reports collectively highlight the continuous and rigorous commitment of regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce high standards across the entire care sector in Perthshire, Tayside, and Fife. While some facilities and individuals have faced necessary disciplinary actions or strict requirements for improvement, others are demonstrating positive progress and a dedication to rectifying issues. This ongoing vigilance is absolutely crucial for maintaining accountability, fostering trust, and ultimately ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals receiving care within our communities.