Care Quality Commission finds Lucerne House has responded to safety concerns

3 October 2011

The Care Quality Commission has said it is satisfied that Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited has made urgent improvements which were required at the Lucerne House nursing home in Exeter.

Inspectors who made an unannounced visit to the home in Alphington, Exeter, in September, found staff were now taking greater care to reduce the risk of people choking on their food.

The visit followed concerns that had been raised during a previous inspection, carried out at the request of the coroner in July. The Care Quality Commission issued a formal warning to Barchester Healthcare that it must make improvements by 17 August or face further action.

At the time, inspectors found that some people at risk of choking were not having those risks managed adequately. Although people had detailed plans in place about how the risks are to be managed, staff did not have sufficient knowledge of the management plan and so were not always taking action to mitigate the risk of choking.

Ian Biggs, regional director of CQC in the South West, said inspectors had now found there had been a significant improvement to safety of the residents.

He said: “On our earlier inspection, it was a matter of some concern that Lucerne House was in breach of the regulations covering the care and welfare of residents.

“Our latest inspection has shown a real improvement. Inspectors looked into the support given to four people who had swallowing difficulties that put them at risk of choking.

"We found that staff were aware of the risks to these people and of the care plans for managing the risk for each individual. The inspectors observed that these people received appropriate foods and other support noted in their care plans, so reducing the risk to their safety and wellbeing."

Ends

For further information please contact the CQC press office on 0207 448 9401 or out of hours on 07917 232 143.

Notes to editors