Surrey Care Homes Close Amid CQC Neglect Allegations

Three care facilities located in Surrey have ceased operations after an inspection of one of them identified concerns that residents were “at risk of abuse due to institutional neglect.” Rainscombe House, a Smallfield facility accommodating up to three individuals with learning disabilities or autism, received an “inadequate” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in a report released on Monday. Nutbush Cottage and Rainscombe Bungalow, two additional homes operated by the same company, had previously been assessed as “inadequate” by the CQC. Mitchell’s Care Homes Limited stated that the closures occurred “after much reflection” and that residents had been relocated to alternative accommodations. Regarding Rainscombe House, inspectors reported: “We identified institutional neglect, poor financial records regarding individual’s money, a closed culture, and a disregard to people’s health conditions.” They also highlighted concerns regarding “a disused radiator against the wall with a large shard of glass leaning up against it” in the garden, alongside potential risks to residents during eating and drinking. For instance, an individual requiring food to be cut into small pieces was observed consuming an entire apple without staff oversight. The report noted: “They ate everything, including the core and pips.” Furthermore, the report stated: “At previous assessments, staff were not always treating people with respect and dignity, at this assessment, little had changed.” A spokesperson for Mitchell’s indicated that “concerted action” had been implemented and the company was confident that “sustained improvements” were underway. Nevertheless, the spokesperson added: “After much reflection and consideration of our overall business model, the company decided that it will no longer operate residential services at Rainscombe House, Rainscombe Bungalow, and Nutbush Cottage.” The company confirmed it collaborated with local authorities to rehouse residents and that these closures would enable it to concentrate on delivering supported services within the community.