Choke risk probe at home after resident’s death
AN investigation into choking risks at a care home has been launched following the death of one of its residents.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) launched its investigation into Le Moors Residential Home, on Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.
Inspectors visited the home in February following the death, and ‘potential concerns’ raised over choking risks and the management of people’s dietary needs. The visit was also in light of further concerns about staffing levels and staff training.
The CQC declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the resident’s death due to what it says is an ongoing, separate investigation into the incident. It also did not comment on that investigation.
But in the inspection report published last week, CQC officials confirmed that at the time of the death, residents’ dietary needs were not being managed appropriately at all times.
Risks and needs were not kept up to date when it came to eating and drinking plans, leaving staff sometimes ‘unaware’ of how to support residents in a safe manner.
Inspectors also found that staffing levels were not up to scratch to enable proper support was provided to everyone living in the care home. Training was also lacking, putting residents at potential risk in emergency situations.
The Observer asked the CQC for a time frame as to when the individual died and the investigation was launched, but the organisation declined to comment, citing privacy concerns. But a spokesperson did say the regulatory body is “aware of an incident at Le Moors residential home in Lancashire where a resident sadly died. Since the incident, we have carried out an inspection at the service to ensure residents are safe. Enquiries are ongoing.”
In the new inspection, improvements were found in relation to dietary risks and needs, with residents assessed by a speech and language therapist to provide extra support for those who experience difficulties with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.
Records showed residents were now at a reduced risk of choking due to eating and drinking support plans put in place, with staffing sufficient to meet safety needs.
Training had also been ramped up, with staff completing online courses in first aid, nutrition and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).
Le Moors’ parent company, Regal Care Trading Limited, had also introduced twice-weekly visits to the home by the manager of another home, to assist Le Moors’ new manager with back office work. The home’s rating has remained as Requires Improvement.
A spokesperson for Regal Care said it is “working closely” with the CQC over the situation.
The CQC added: “During this inspection, we found that since the incident, improvements had been made to the management of people’s dietary requirements. Care documentation included up to date information about people’s dietary risks and needs, and the staff we spoke with were familiar with how people should be supported with eating and drinking to keep them safe.
“People were receiving an appropriate diet, which reduced their risk of choking. Staffing levels were appropriate to meet the needs of people living at the service. Staff had completed the training necessary to keep people safe if they required emergency assistance, including if they were choking. Management arrangements at the service had improved. The provider’s representative visited the service regularly and checks and audits were being completed regularly, to ensure appropriate standards of quality and safety were being maintained.
“Staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure people were protected as much as possible from the risk of cross infection. Staff had received training on how to put on and take off PPE safely. Enhanced cleaning was being completed throughout the day, to ensure the home remained clean and the risk of cross infection was reduced. There were clear processes in place for visitors to the service. Due to the national lockdown, only essential visitors, such as health professionals, were allowed to enter the home at the time of our inspection.
“The provider was supporting people to stay in contact with family and friends through regular video calls and telephone calls. The manager was in the process of planning how visits would take place once lockdown restrictions were eased.”