Inspectors Note Improvements at Previously Criticized Care Home

A residential care facility that received criticism last year, following inspectors’ discovery of a “dirty kitchen” and a “fly infestation,” has shown improvement, according to a new report. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) stated that The Firs Residential Care Home, located in Tower Road, Little Downham, Cambridgeshire, is “no longer in breach of regulations”. The facility’s overall rating was elevated by inspectors from “inadequate” to “good,” and they verified that the home had been “removed from special measures”. A forthcoming report, slated for publication, details the most recent findings subsequent to an inspection conducted in July. The residence, operated by Barrels UK Care Ltd, which provides services for older and younger adults, as well as individuals with dementia and physical disabilities, faced criticism in a report issued in December of the previous year. Following an inspection in September 2023, inspectors observed deficiencies in infection control practices, substandard record-keeping for accidents, and insufficient staffing levels, and reported that residents did not receive dignified care. Concerns had been previously raised regarding “how dirty the kitchen was,” and a “fly infestation” was discovered. However, the most recent report presents a more positive assessment. Stuart Dunn, CQC deputy director of operations in the east of England, stated, “It was encouraging to see improvements were made in response to concerns we raised. The service is now rated as good, and we have removed it from special measures as a result. The home has made significant progress in managing risks and safeguarding people. Staff now understand the importance of learning from incidents and taking action to reduce risks.” He further commented that staff treated individuals with “dignity and respect” and added: “We also saw the home now had enough skilled and knowledgeable staff, with the right background checks at recruitment, to keep people safe. Everyone at The Firs… should be proud of the improvements they’ve made.”