Care home placed into special measures by watchdog

A care home in South Yorkshire has been placed into special measures after a watchdog found multiple safety concerns.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given Orchard Views Care Home in Gawber, Barnsley, an overall rating of "inadequate" after inspections in late 2024.

The CQC ordered "rapid and widespread improvements" after inspectors found "breaches of regulation" over managing medicines, assessing and managing risks and care planning.

Orchard Views Care Home said it accepted the findings and "apologise unreservedly that our standards of care and leadership fell below that which the residents deserved".

The service, which can support up to 40 people, was visited by the CQC after concerns were raised by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

The CQC said 13 people were using the service at the time of the most recent inspection, down from 25 on the previous visit.

Medical records and other documents weren't being adequately stored and shared, inspectors found, with staff feeling "ignored by leaders".

Staff were not always recruited safely, the CQC said, with appropriate references not always sought.

Alan Stephenson, CQC deputy director of operations in the North, said: "One relative told us an agency staff member hadn't given their loved one their medicine at all.

"Care was not dignified. We noticed one person wearing stained nightwear in the afternoon and they told us they had been waiting three months for staff to purchase new clothes for them."

He added: "We recognise that the ongoing recruitment for a registered manager impacted leadership at the home, but the service must make sure interim arrangements are in place so people's care doesn't suffer."

A spokesperson for Orchard Views Care Home said: "We are already rebuilding trust with residents and their families by demonstrating significant improvements in our care and leadership.

"We are fully committed to delivering high quality, person-centred care and rebuilding a service that our community can have confidence in."

They added: "Our entire staff team remains committed to working closely with the CQC to ensure rapid and sustained progress."

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