Hertfordshire care home has failed to protect people’s safety and welfare says regulator

16 August 2013

Highview Lodge is not meeting the national standards of quality and safety.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned the owner of Highview Lodge they must make improvements to comply with the national standards of quality and safety.

During an unannounced inspection at the care home, in Cherry Orchard, Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead, on 3 July, the provider was found to be failing to meet three of the national standards of care and safety assessed.

Inspectors found the owners of Highview Lodge needed to make improvements in relation to respecting and involving people who use services, care and welfare of people who use services and staffing.

Providers of care services have a legal responsibility to make sure they are meeting all national standards of quality and safety.

What inspectors found:

Inspectors found that staff worked in a task led manner and had unreasonable workloads, meaning they did not have time to offer person-centred care.

Residents were often left unattended and unstimulated for long periods of time, and those who were unable to take part in activities were left on their own without anything to do.

The dignity and welfare of people was not always upheld. For example, inspectors noticed that staff entered resident's rooms without knocking, and observed that people in communal areas were sometimes dressed in unsuitable clothing that did not cover them up respectfully.

Inspectors also witnessed two people attending meals wearing soiled clothing. Staff did not appear to notice, meaning the residents were not offered the opportunity to be washed and changed into fresh clothing.

Andrea Gordon, Regional Director (regions) for CQC, said:

“CQC has been working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people receiving care at Highview Lodge and we have told the provider where they must improve.

“Our inspectors will return in the near future and if we find the required progress is not made we won’t hesitate to take further action where necessary.”

Any regulatory decision that CQC takes is open to challenge by a registered person through a variety of internal and external appeal processes.

Highview Lodge offers residential accommodation for up to 77 older people.

Ends

For further information please contact Helen Gildersleeve, regional communications officer, on 0191 2333379 or the CQC press office on 0207 448 9401 or out of hours on 07917 232 143.

Notes to editors

Read the full report here.