Care home rated ‘inadequate’
CONCERNS RAISED BY INSPECTORS
A Wearside care home has been placed into special measures after being labelled “inadequate” by care watchdogs.
Rowlandson House, which provides care for up to 27 people, was found to be poorly led after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited between September and October last year.
During the inspection, concerns were raised about the storage of medicines, with missing tablets which couldn’t be accounted for.
Due to the lack of stock checks, people were at risk of “maladministration of medicines”, inspectors said, with laundry also found in a “dirty state” creating issues around cross-infection.
At the time of the inspection at the home, in Rowlandson Terrace, Ashbrooke, 21 people used the service with most having dementia.
The report found some care records were unsecured and lacked information about people’s needs, while people weren’t given stimulating activities to do.
Other concerns flagged issues around limited equipment which made “the move- ment and handling of people challenging”.
While food was hot and well-presented, some people at the home didn’t get the support they needed to eat in ways which met their needs.
The report added: “The caring nature of the staff was undermined by the lack of provision to meet people’s needs such as fire evacuation.
“We found people’s wellbeing was compromised by the standards and practices in the home.”
The recent inspection follows on from a visit by the CQC in June which put the home in the “requires improvement” category.
The CQC has now issued a warning notice ordering bosses at Rowlandson House to prevent admissions until improvements are met.
Sunderland City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee are expected to discuss the care home as part of a ‘managing the market’ report later this year.
The council report adds: “So far feedback to the commissioning team from adult social care and other professionals is not indicating any causes for concern with the standard of care currently being provided.
“Feedback from families during the social work reviews has been positive and families are happy with the care provided at this time.”
Loyal Care Centre Limited, who provide services at Rowlandson House, were approached for comment.