Care home in breach of safety rules

ARUNCORN nursing home has been placed in special measures after breaches were identified in its safety standards.

Regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) graded Holmdale as ‘inadequate’ and said guidance was not always followed on how best to reduce risks for its residents.

These included providing food deemed unsafe to eat to a client who was at risk of choking, medicines record did not always contain accurate information and sometimes there were not enough staff, such as to ensure a patient could use the toilet in a timely manner.

The inspector said problems with medications were issues such as a resident receiving medicine they no longer needed, medication with a three-month shelf life being prescribed after that period and in one instance a visiting health professional had advised increasing a dose of laxative if a particular client who had not had a bowel movement in three days, but records showed this had not happened on at least two occasions.

In addition they said that there were not enough staff to monitor feeding, with four residents present for dinner, each of whom required individual support, but only three staff.

The inspector added that the registered manager Michaela Taylor could not show that all employees were of ‘suitable character’.

Holmdale, which is based at 2a Company’s Close, was graded inadequate for safety, effectiveness and how well-led it is.

It received a rating of ‘requires improvement’ for how caring and responsive it is.

Relatives told inspectors that they and their relations felt safe around the staff, making comments such as ‘they’re all nice’. The home can accommodate up to six clients with learning and physical disabilities.

It is run by Widnesbased Community Integrated Care, which has apologised for the findings of the inspection.

Samantha Brennan, the firm’s regional director, said: “Community Integrated Care is committed to delivering safe, quality and reliable services.

“When CQC identified concerns at our Holmdale service, we took immediate action, developing a robust plan to resolve all issues. Our regional management and quality teams are now working in close partnership with CQC, giving the service focused support in all necessary areas.

“We would like to apologise to the people we support and their loved ones for this experience.”