CONVICTED CRIMINALS GIVEN CARE HOME JOBS

AGENCY PUT INTO SPECIAL MEASURES AFTER FAILURES OVER BACKGROUND CHECKS

PEOPLE with criminal convictions were hired as care workers by agency bosses who failed to carry out compulsory background checks on employees.

Salford-based Angels at Home CIC took on staff to work in elderly people’s homes before Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had been completed, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said.

Two workers were found to have criminal convictions. Inspectors said people were put at ‘risk of being supported by unsuitable staff ’ because checks weren’t carried out – and a due to a lack of subsequent risk assessments.

The agency has now been put into special measures after being deemed ‘inadequate’ by CQC bosses, who visited in February.

The damning inspection found seven breaches of the Health and Social Care Act.

CQC bosses said many staff had not undergone induction training and were not versed in basic first aid, medicine, safeguarding or food hygiene.

The firm advertised itself as specialising in dementia care, but inspectors found none of the staff at the agency had received dementia training.

Inspectors said two staff members had been administering medicine without receiving the training to do so.

CQC chiefs have now stopped the agency from setting up any new packages of care – or altering existing packages – without prior permission from the watchdog.

Inspectors are still considering further enforcement options.

A spokesman for Angels at Home CIC said: “We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all those who use our service and strive to provide the very best care at all times.

“This matter is the subject of ongoing proceedings with the CQC. As such, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Salford’s integrated care organisation, which is in charge of hospital, social care and mental health services, has responsibility for domiciliary and nursing home care. The director of adult social care (resources) at Salford Royal Hospital, Keith Darragh, said: “Our immediate priority is to work with all agencies to ensure continuity of care for people receiving services delivered by Angels at Home.

“We are working closely with the care agency and inspectors from the CQC to make sure there is clear plan for improvement.

“Service users deserve the highest quality of care, therefore we will be closely monitoring progress to ensure that standards improve.”