Care Home Receives Inadequate Rating Following Safety Concerns

A Nottinghamshire care home has been rated as inadequate after residents were found to be at “serious risk of abuse”, including one reporting being hit twice. Charnwood Care Home, situated in Carlton, underwent an inspection in the summer after local officials raised concerns regarding medication, staffing, and poor management. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified inexperienced staff, instances of physical harm to residents, and insufficient measures to address hot weather. The care home has also been placed in special measures, issued with two warning notices, and directed to formulate an action plan to ensure individuals are protected correctly. Charnwood Care Home, managed by Divine Rock Care Limited, has the capacity to support up to 88 people, although 37 residents were present during the inspection. The CQC stated that the inspection—the first since the home’s registration—was prompted by serious concerns raised by the local authority and Integrated Care Board (ICB). It uncovered four breaches of regulation, including issues pertaining to safe care and treatment, safeguarding, consent, and management. In addition to the home receiving an overall inadequate rating, it was given the same rating for the categories of being effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. Its safety aspect was rated as “requires improvement.” Steven Paisley, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands, commented that people residing at the home “weren’t receiving safe, dignified or person-centred care.” He further stated, “People weren’t always safe from abuse. One person told us staff were rough when caring for them which had caused bruising. Staff had recorded this bruising two months ago, however, hadn’t taken any action to refer it to the safeguarding team. Another person explained that a staff member had hit them twice. We reported this to the management team to investigate but when we returned two days later, little action had been taken. This put people at serious risk of abuse.” During hot weather, inspectors observed that temperatures within the building exceeded 30C (86F) and no plan was in place to protect residents. While some individuals were provided with ice lollies, others, including those with diabetes, were not, and no other provisions were offered. However, the home was noted for its cleanliness, safe management of medicines, and staff access to personal protective equipment. A spokesperson for Charnwood Care Home indicated that the CQC’s feedback had been taken “very seriously,” leading to the appointment of new management and additional staff. They stated, “Since their inspectors visited our care home four months ago, we have made significant progress in addressing the areas identified as needing improvement, many of which stemmed from the home’s previous ownership.” “During this first year of ownership of the care home we have introduced new digital care planning and record-keeping systems.” For updates, follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.