The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told the providers of Donisthorpe Hall, Leeds that they must make improvements to protect the safety and welfare of people living there.
CQC carried out its most recent inspection in August and September 2016. Inspectors found that the care being provided was failing to provide care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive or well led.
A full report can be found on this website.
At the two previous inspections in June 2015 and March 2016 CQC rated the service overall as Inadequate and placed it in Special Measures. At the inspection in March 2016 inspectors found the provider was in breach of six regulations.
At this inspection inspectors found the provider was still in breach of five of the same regulations and was in breach of an additional regulation because they were not meeting people's nutritional needs. The provider had made improvements in one area; they had better arrangements to support staff.
Some of the findings from the latest inspection included:
- CQC inspectors found people who used the service were not protected against the risks associated with the administration, use and management of medicines, and other areas of risk such as pressure sores and people at risk of choking were not well managed.
- During the inspection we saw examples of inconsistent care. For example in how people's care was assessed, planned and delivered. In addition, information about people's history, likes and preferences was not available so staff did not know what was important to people.
Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care in the North, said:
“The care provided at Donisthorpe Hall was of a very poor standard. There has been little progress from previous inspections, earlier this year and last year. At this inspection we found an additional breach in respect of failing to meet nutritional needs. This represents very poor progress and I am very concerned.
“The provider has a number of issues it must address. For example, we found supplies of blood testing equipment that were out of date and unfit for use along with dressings, medicines and equipment for people who were no longer living in the home. A nurse confirmed that blood glucose test strips (for testing sugar levels in diabetes) that had been used that day were past their expiry date. Using out of date test strips may give incorrect results and lead to people receiving incorrect treatment.
Medication records were frequently inaccurate and incomplete. Some medicines were listed more than once, whilst others, particularly those prescribed for use at end of life, were not listed on the medication sheets. There were missing signatures on records and it was unclear if medicines had been given or omitted at those times.
“People are entitled to services that deliver consistently good care and with an overall rating of Inadequate, Donisthorpe Hall will remain in special measures.
"At the inspection in June 2015 CQC issued warning notices for the breaches of the regulations. At the inspection in March 2016, CQC issued further warning notices and a Fixed Penalty Notice as the provider had failed to notify CQC of incidents that had taken place of which they are legal legally bound to do so. In relation to the findings of this most recent inspection CQC is considering what further enforcement action may be required and once this is concluded we will report further.
“We have been working with Leeds City Council to ensure that people living at the home are not at undue risk. We will continue to monitor this care home. CQC will consider the appropriate regulatory response to resolve the problems found.”
Ends
For further information please contact David Fryer, CQC Regional Engagement Manager by phone on 07754 438750.
Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here.
Please note: the press office is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters. For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.