Care home branded ‘inadequate’ by CQC after surprise inspection

AN ORMSKIRK care home has been labelled inadequate after a surprise inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Willow Lodge, in Moss View, received the damning report after failings were found in its safety and leadership.

The home was placed in special measures earlier this year after being rated as requiring improvement.

As part of that process, the CQC is required to carry out another inspection within six months to assess what progress has been made.

But following the latest inspection, which was carried out in October and published this week, the home received a worse rating and was considered “inadequate”.

Willow Lodge provides single and shared room accommodation for up to 22 adults who are living with a dementia-related illness and who need assistance with personal and nursing care.

It is run by Holt Green Residential Homes Ltd, which is also responsible for Silver Birch Lodge in Ormskirk.

Silver Birch was rated “good” at its most recent CQC inspection.

Each inspection report is divided into five categories, concerning whether the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Willow Moss received an “inadequate” rating for safety and leadership; “requires improvement” for effectiveness and responsiveness; and “good” for caring.

Despite the criticisms listed in the report, the residents and family members interviewed by the inspectors were positive about the care being given.

“The inspectors agreed with this, describing the staff as “kind, caring and respectful of people’s needs”.

Among the key problems listed in the report were that staff had not been given formal inductions or correct background checks before beginning roles at the home.

The CQC’s report says: “We found at this comprehensive inspection on October 3 and October 10, 2017 the provider had met the legal requirements in relation to person-centred care and safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment.

“However, the concerns previously raised in relation to safe care and treatment and good governance had not been adequately addressed.

“Therefore, the provider continued to fail to meet the legal requirements of the regulations in these areas.

“We also found the provider did not meet the required regulations in relation to fit and proper persons employed.

“The domains of ‘safe’ and ‘well led’ were rated as ‘inadequate’ and therefore Willow Lodge remains ‘inadequate’ overall and in special measures.”

Willow Lodge has been approached for comment.