‘ONE PERSON SAID THEY HAD NOT BEEN OUTSIDE FOR TWO YEARS’
‘Rude and unfriendly’ staff as care home is in ‘special measures’
INSPECTORS have placed a care home in special measures after giving it the lowest possible rating.
The Care Quality Commission has raised concerns over the spread of infection, fire safety and staffing issues at the ‘inadequate’ Silverdale Nursing Home, below, following its latest inspection.
The CQC is also concerned over the lack of ‘meaningful activities’ at the home, with one resident telling inspectors that they had not been outside for two years. Some residents had also experienced unintended weight loss with no action being taken to address this.
The inspection was carried out partly due to concerns received about risk management and people being unlawfully restricted at the Newcastle
Street home. It was rated as ‘inadequate’ overall with inadequate ratings for being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
Silverdale Nursing Home, which is run by Silverdale Care Homes Limited, provides accommodation and personal care for up to 27 people, including those living with dementia. It had previously been rated as ‘good’ following its last inspection in 2018.
Amanda Lyndon, CQC’S head of adult social care inspection, said: “When we inspected Silverdale Nursing Home, we found a service where the standard of care had deteriorated significantly since our last inspection. People’s safety and wellbeing needs weren’t being met, some staff were uncaring, and risks weren’t being effectively managed.
“People told us they weren’t treated with respect or kindness and their individual needs weren’t considered. They said they were often ignored by staff or spoken to in a rude and unfriendly manner.
“It was upsetting to see that people weren’t supported to take part in any meaningful activities and one person said they hadn’t been outside for two years, whilst another said they felt like a prisoner in the home.
“It was also concerning that several people had experienced unintended weight loss and no action had been taken to address this which placed them at risk of harm. People’s dietary preferences weren’t catered for and one person who was a vegetarian had been given meat to eat.
“Staff turnover was high and new starters weren’t safely recruited or given appropriate training or supervision. Existing managers and staff were unclear of their roles and responsibilities.
“The provider had employed consultants prior to our inspection who were working on an action plan to make improvements. Their input was positive and focused on improving outcomes for people, but they hadn’t been there long enough for us to see significant changes to be implemented.
“We will continue to monitor Silverdale Nursing Home closely to ensure people are safe. If we are not assured people are receiving safe care, we will not hesitate to take action.”
Being in special measures means the CQC will keep the home under review, and if it does not propose to cancel the provider’s registration inspectors will return in six months to check for ‘significant’ improvements. Silverdale Care Homes has been approached for comment.