Belfair Care Home in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw has been placed under heightened scrutiny by the Department of Care following a recent inspection that revealed major issues, including staffing shortages, improper handling of medication, and inadequate infrastructure.
The inspection uncovered multiple failings, with staffing levels being one of the key concerns, particularly among nurses and support staff. “The staffing shortage is striking,” explained Joris Moonens of the Department of Care. “Additionally, medication safety protocols are not being followed correctly, and the daily care provided falls short of required standards. The facility itself also has structural deficiencies that need to be addressed in the long term.”
Heightened supervision is considered a last warning before harsher measures, such as suspension of the facility’s licence, are enforced. “Suspension would result in a six-month admission ban,” Moonens clarified. “If conditions do not improve during that period, it could ultimately lead to a temporary or even permanent closure of the care home.”
Inspectors will closely monitor whether the identified issues are resolved promptly and comprehensively. “There is no set end date for the increased supervision,” Moonens added. “The care home must submit a remedial plan to the Department of Care within 15 days of receiving the notice. Some problems, like proper handling of medication, can be addressed quickly. However, larger issues, such as making rooms wheelchair accessible, will take more time. The current staff are under pressure, and expanding the workforce is critical.”
It remains unclear whether any recent complaints have been filed against the care home’s operations.
