Residents of care home at risk - CQC

Residents of a West Sussex care home were at risk of harm and had "unexplained injuries", Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors found.

Leaders at Homelands Nursing Home, in Cowfold, had also not put in place an effective system to protect them from potential abuse, the CQC said.

The home, which provides care for up to 42 people, has been rated inadequate and placed under special measures.

Run by Medicrest, the nursing home said it "deeply regret[s] the shortcomings" identified by the CQC, adding: "We are proud of the care we give to our residents".

"Regardless of the report's findings, we recognise and appreciate the dedication of our staff, who remain committed to delivering compassionate care to our residents," Medicrest said.

Neil Cox, CQC deputy director of operations in the south, said care home leaders did not report or investigate incidents appropriately, including when someone became trapped in a bedrail.

"This is unacceptable," he said.

Mr Cox said poor leadership had led to "inconsistent care" and that "staff didn't always respond to people's needs and act quickly to minimise their distress."

One example he cited was staff did not always act when residents asked for help, such as getting extra blankets or hot drinks when they were cold.

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The special measures mean Homelands Nursing Home will be closely monitored by the CQC, which will check on improvements.

The nursing home said it was "fully committed" to addressing all the concerns highlighted in the report and has started a "rapid and comprehensive" improvement plan.

"The safety, dignity, and well-being of our residents remain our highest priority," said managers Medicrest.

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