The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated three north east care homes, inadequate overall and placed them in special measures following inspections in September and October.
These unannounced inspections were carried out after receiving concerns in relation to the safety of people using the services, staffing levels and management of the services.
Inspectors visited S.E.L.F Limited 14, 15 and 16 Park View which are care homes providing accommodation and support for people with a learning disability.
Following the inspections, the overall rating for all three care homes has dropped from good to inadequate.
CQC also placed the services in special measures, which means that they will be closely monitored to ensure that people are safe. If fundamental improvements have not been made by the time of the next inspection, CQC will take further enforcement action to protect people.
Debbie Ivanova, CQC’s deputy chief inspector for people with a learning disability and autistic people, said:
“When we inspected services run by S.E.L.F Limited, it was very disappointing to see that people were not supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. We were told restrictions were placed on people including, giving allocated time slots for smoking and vaping, as well as fixed timings for mealtimes and receiving medicine. These restrictions must be addressed by the management team as a matter of priority to give people more independence and control.
“We found there were no effective systems to prevent and control the spread of infections like COVID-19. Staff and people living in these homes were being put at risk because personal protective equipment wasn’t easily available and there were no designated areas for staff to change into it. There was also no system for recording staff COVID-19 results which meant the provider had no accurate record of who had tested positive.
“Although, it was re-assuring to hear that staff spoke positively about their roles and were passionate about making sure people receive great care and support there wasn’t enough staff to meet people’s needs. There were times when people were unable to leave the home due to this lack of staffing.
“We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted and we didn’t see this at S.E.L.F Limited.
“Since the inspection, the provider has told us they are working with the local authority to make improvements to ensure people are safe. We will continue to monitor the services closely and will take further action if we are not assured it is making the necessary improvements.”
Inspectors found the following:
- People were not always protected from the spread of infection and the provider had failed to manage the risks relating to their health, safety and welfare
- The service was not able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.
However:
- Medicines were managed safely, and people were referred to health professionals when required. A training programme was in place and staff received supervision and appraisals.
Full details of the inspection are given in the report published on our website.
For enquiries about this press release please email regional.engagement@cqc.org.uk.
Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here (Please note: the duty press officer is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters).
For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.