Care Home Declared Inadequate by CQC Over Safety Failings, Including Medication Management

Handford House Care Home in Ipswich has received an “inadequate” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) due to multiple deficiencies, notably the unsafe management of medication. This rating marks a decline from its previous “good” assessment by the regulator following its comprehensive inspection in 2022. The CQC documented various problems at the facility, which has subsequently been placed under special measures. Among the issues cited were instances where family members found their relatives dressed in clothing belonging to other residents. The company operating the care home stated that a new manager was appointed following the latest inspection conducted in July. Furthermore, the CQC determined that staff did not consistently engage families in the care planning process. Inspectors also noted that residents were provided with food and beverages from containers that lacked regular cleaning. The regulator disclosed that its inspection of the facility was initiated “in part due to whistleblowers and health professionals contacting CQC with concerns about end-of-life care, staffing levels, hygiene practices, and the overall safety and quality of people’s care in the home”. The CQC clarified that being placed in special measures signifies the home “will be kept under review and closely monitored to ensure people are kept safe”. Hazel Roberts, the CQC deputy director of operations in the East of England, commented on the findings, saying: “We were concerned to find people at Handford House weren’t always getting safe, person-centred, and compassionate care. “This was because there weren’t enough staff with the right training to meet people’s needs.”Leaders had also failed to act on problems quickly to protect people.”There weren’t enough staff to care for people properly, and people living at the home and their family told us they’d waited up to half an hour for staff to answer call bells on multiple occasions.” Suffolk County Council announced that it has temporarily ceased placing individuals at the home. A spokesperson for the council affirmed its commitment to taking the safety and wellbeing of residents “seriously” and further stated: “This suspension remains in place whilst we, along with the CQC, continue to work with the provider to help them make the necessary improvements to their service.” Healthcare Homes, the operator of the facility, asserted that the CQC had given “verbal assurances” indicating no “serious concerns” after the three-day inspection. According to Healthcare Homes, the CQC did not formally communicate its concerns until 2 October. A spokesperson for Healthcare Homes remarked: “Notwithstanding the improvements we have already made, we continue to work closely with [Suffolk County Council] and we would welcome an early reinspection of the service by the CQC.” The spokesperson added: “Nothing is more important to us than the care and wellbeing of all of our residents and staff.” The company expressed its dedication to supporting the home, stating it “is already returning to its usual high standards.”