29 February 2012
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told the owners of Ashleigh Nursing Home that it must make improvements to comply with the essential standards of quality and safety.
Inspectors have found that the care home on Ashleigh Road, Leicester, has failed to protect the safety and welfare of people receiving their service.
A report published by CQC says that the provider was not meeting all four essential standards inspectors looked at and in all of these areas a major concern was identified.
Providers of care services have a legal responsibility to make sure they are meeting all essential standards of quality and safety.
The visit to Ashleigh Nursing Home, whichprovides nursing care for up to 21 people, took place in January 2012as part of CQC’s routine programme of inspections. When inspectors visited the care service they found the care provided was falling short of standards people should be able to expect and improvements were needed. Thereport, published on the CQC website highlights the four major areas of concern:
Care and welfare of people who use services
Inspectors found that some care plans were not comprehensive and some had not been followed up effectively. The majority of staff inspectors spoke with said that they had received training in dementia care, but had limited knowledge as to how the condition affected people or how people should be supported.
Cleanliness and infection control
Inspectors found commodes that were dirty and rusty. Walls in bedrooms and corridors were stained and dirty. Staff informed CQC that no one at the service was responsible for overseeing and taking responsibility for infection prevention and control. There were no cleaning schedules in place for monitoring the cleanliness of the service.
Safety and suitability of premises
Relatives visiting the service expressed concern at the rundown state of the building and accommodation. Walls, skirting boards and door frames were dirty. The dining room walls were dirty from food and drink spillages and a carpet on the first floor of the home was not fitted correctly which posed a trip hazard.
Supporting staff
Training records were not up to date and staff meetings were not being undertaken routinely. Staff raised concerns to inspectors about staffing levels, especially around meal times but no action had been taken.
Andrea Gordon, Deputy Director of Operations (Central Region), said: “The failings at Ashleigh Nursing Home are a real concern and improvements need to be made.
“CQC has been working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people receiving this service is met and we have told the provider where they need to improve.
“Where improvements are not made we have a range of enforcement powers that can be used, including prosecution, closure or restriction of services.”
Any regulatory decision that CQC takes is open to challenge by a registered person through a variety of internal and external appeal processes.
The provider has given CQC assurances since the inspection that they will work hard to improve the service and achieve compliance. An action plan has been put in place, which the home is taking steps to address.
Ends
For further information please contact Helen Gildersleeve, regional communications officer, on 0191 233 3379. The CQC press office is also available on 0207 448 9401 or out of hours on 07917 232 143.
Notes to editors
Read the reports
Read the reports from our checks on standards at Ashleigh Nursing Home.