A CARE home has apologised for its “failings” after watchdogs slammed the business in a report which found residents had suffered a "high level of unexplained bruising”.
Elmcroft Care Home, in Brickhouse Road, Little Totham, has been rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a damning report published today.
The business offers dementia, nursing, palliative, residential and respite care, and can also support people with physical disabilities.
The inspection took place in May and June and the care home has received an ‘inadequate’ rating across all five categories – for being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
According to the report, residents at the home, particularly those who require 24-hour, one-to-one care, are not “safeguarded” and “sustain serious unexplained injuries despite records stating they need constant staff supervision”.
One resident with funding for that level of care sustained a fractured hip and an “unexplained” black eye in two separate incidents.
Inspectors found there was also a “high level of unexplained bruising and skin tears amongst most people” at the home.
The inspection took place after concerns were raised with the CQC about the service.
Inspectors identified five breaches of legal regulation to “person-centred care, safe care and treatment, safeguarding, governance and staffing.”
There was mixed feedback on people’s overall experience at the home.
The report said: "Staff were kind and well-meaning. They lacked the staffing numbers, training, support and guidance to deliver consistent support.
“People were not supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did not support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.”
The report said staff were not always aware of serious incidents which had taken place to prevent repeat incidents.
One person had an unwitnessed fall and sustained rib fractures, but post-fall observations were not consistently completed by staff, so the extent of their injuries was not noticed.
Elmcroft director Mark Cloonan apologised on behalf of the care home.
He said: “We apologise for the failings highlighted in the Care Quality Commission’s report and would like to emphasise that since the assessment undertaken by CQC, we have implemented urgent whole-scale actions to remedy failings referred to in the report.
“This has included appointing a new management team at the home, and a new regional director.
“We are also working closely with the CQC and other key stakeholders, including the local authority, on bringing about root-and-branch changes to the home.
“This has included investing heavily in training for the team, adding subjects such as enhanced dementia, moving and handling, safeguarding, reporting and diversity training.
“The new leadership team has also prioritised supporting the team through transparent and open line management.
“We note CQC inspectors did find our care team trying their best to deliver safe, effective and dignified care.
“To support the team further, and in addition to increased training, we are reviewing all individual care plans for residents and working with residents and their families to improve communication.
"We are confident that, in partnership with the local authority and CQC, we have already made large-scale improvements at the home, and it remains our utmost priority to continue to do so.”
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