WIREDGOV

The warnings follow an unannounced visit by inspectors to the home in July and August 2014, which was carried out in response to information of concern.

Visiting inspectors found that the service was failing to provide care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive or well led; and all five of the national standards assessed by the inspection team were not being met.

A full report has been published on the CQC website.

Inspectors identified:

• People were not protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment. Inspectors found that care plans were inaccurate, out of date and contained limited guidance to direct staff to deliver care safely to those residents with more complex healthcare needs.
• Significant failings in the ability of the service to meet the needs of the people in their care and a lack of therapeutic or engaging activities for residents to be involved in.
• The temperature in the communal areas, of one of the areas we visited, in the home was excessively warm and was not being monitored to make sure it stayed within a safe level.
• Many parts of the premises were unclean and residents were at risk because of a lack of effective infection control procedures.
• The provider had failed to ensure that all parts of the building were maintained in good physical repair and condition.

As a result of the inspection, CQC has issued five formal warnings to the provider requiring improvements in relation to care and welfare of people who use services, safeguarding people who use services from abuse, cleanliness and infection control, safety and suitability of premises and records.

Debbbie Westhead, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care in the North has said:

“Our inspection has uncovered poor care provided in unacceptable conditions, and we have told the provider very clearly where improvements must be made.

“We have passed our findings on to the infection control nurse team, the Fire Safety Assessor and the local authority safeguarding team, and we are in close liaison with these partner agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of people living at the home.

“We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and we will inspect again soon to ensure all appropriate action has been taken.

“If we find that Gainford Care Homes Limited is not making enough progress we will consider using our legal powers further to protect the people who live there.”

Ends

For further information please contact CQC Regional Engagement Officer Mark Humphreys on 0191 233 3519. The CQC press office can be contacted on 0207 448 9401 or out of hours on 07917 232 143.

For general enquiries, call 03000 61 61 61.