Care homes veteran Robert Kilgour invests six-figure sum in safety measures

Care home veteran Robert Kilgour has invested a six-figure sum in new equipment aimed at easing safety concerns as outdoor visits by relatives resume.

Kilgour said the investment is 'substantial' but 'essential'. Picture: Nick Mailer Photography.

Kilgour’s Renaissance Care group is kitting out each its care homes with state-of-the-art temperature-screening thermal imaging cameras and portable, industrial-strength air purifiers. This is in addition to the group upping stocks of personal protective equipment.

There will be swift deep cleaning of all spaces that have been accessed by relatives, while Renaissance Care has signed up for a booking app enabling relatives to reserve a visiting slot.

The businessman is the founder of Musselburgh-based Renaissance Care. Picture: Nick Mailer Photography.

Kilgour, who has been campaigning on several issues on behalf of Scottish independent care homes throughout the Covid-19 crisis, said: “This is a substantial investment on our part, but it is absolutely essential in helping to ensure our residents and their relatives feel confident in safety during visits.”

Renaissance Care started to implement visitor restrictions on 1 March and locked down all its care homes to visitors on 11 March. However, it has allowed “end of life” visits to take place throughout, following guidelines. It will now be allowing relative visits to resume from Monday at most of its homes.

Kilgour said: “Our 15 care homes throughout Scotland have had a 73-day rollercoaster ride from our first resident testing positive on 3 April to all our homes being Covid-19 free on 15 June.

“Sadly, we have lost 48 of our much-loved residents who have tested positive during this crisis, but we have also seen 91 recover thanks to the hard work and dedication of our superb staff.

“These [resumed] visits will be just what our residents need to raise their morale after many weeks of isolation and of not being able to see their children and grandchildren face to face. We are all very excited to welcome them back. Monday will be the start for all concerned of the slow and careful journey to our new normality.

“Our faith in the future of the care home sector is shown by the fact that on 20 April we took over 60-bedroom Kingsmills care home in Inverness and we’re delighted to welcome the home’s residents and its 90 staff into our family. We look forward to working closely with all of those involved with the home over the months and years to come.”

SCOTSMAN.COM

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