FAILINGS at a North-East nursing home have been revealed in a report published by the healthcare watchdog.

Eastbourne Care Home, in Darlington, has pledged to make improvements after a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection found it is falling short of requirements in three out of five performance areas.

A CQC inspector visited the home in August, after concerns were raised about the performance of some staff following an inspection last year.

The CQC concluded that, although the home's elderly residents are treated with respect and dignity, there are issues to address.

According to the watchdog, the 42-bed home, in Cobden Street, fell short of the required standards in the following areas:

  1. residents not receiving safe and appropriate care that meets their needs;
  2. staffing;
  3. quality and suitability of management.

 

Four Seasons Health Care (FSHC) runs the home after taking over the previous provider, Tamaris.

FSHC expressed regret over the shortcomings and said an improvement plan has been put in place, which has been agreed with the CQC.

A new manager has also been appointed and is due to take up the role this month.

CQC inspectors witnessed one resident being wheeled into the lounge in their wheelchair and 'left', with no attempt to move them to a comfortable chair.

The report said: "We received concerns about one person having a cut on their toe and no one responding to it, people not receiving the quality of care they deserve and poor personal hygiene."

Care records for some residents were found to be confusing, lacking attention to detail, with dates incorrectly recorded.

One resident expressed concern about 'rough handling' by certain staff and told inspectors they had reduced their fluid intake so they did not have to be taken to the bathroom.

This concern was reported to Darlington Borough Council's safeguarding team and discussed with FSHC's regional manager.

As a result, staff were given further training in moving and handling patients.

The CQC said it found 'serious difficulties' with employee relations in the home, with reports of bullying, some staff not getting on and some staff not being adequately trained.

The home was found to be meeting the required standards in two of five performance areas:

  •  treating people with respect and involving them in their care;
  •  caring for people and protecting them from harm.

A spokeswoman for FSHC said: “We regret that there were shortcomings in aspects of care plans and in completing other documentation and records.

“The acting manager, with support of senior management, is overseeing an improvement plan.

“During the inspection in August, concerns came to light about a few staff who felt they were not being well supported by some colleagues.

“An internal investigation is taking place into this complaint.”

The full CQC report can be found here and FSHC's full response can be found here.