A COUNCIL has been given a formal warning after a snap inspection revealed unsafe management of medicines by care workers was putting vulnerable people at risk.

Darlington Borough Council has been told it must urgently improve its Extra Care Scheme or face further action by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Care workers who visit tenants in their own homes can offer support in taking their medication, which includes making a record of all medicines taken, although staff do not administer medicines directly.

An unannounced visit by inspectors found four cases where records relating to medicines were not complete and that staff were given conflicting advice about the level of support people needed with their medicines.

They also found that staff were not able to accurately account for the administration of individual medicines that had been prescribed for people.

Councillor Veronica Copeland, the cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Obviously I was quite shocked that this has happened, but I am assured by officers that they got straight on to the necessary action to put this right.

At no time was anybody in any danger.

“I sought strong reassurances that steps were taken and that the retraining was complete.”

CQC inspectors checked whether progress had been made after shortfalls were identified in a review of the service in September last year.

Murray Rose, director of people’s services at the council, said: “We are extremely concerned to receive a notice from the CQC and take the matter very seriously.

“We immediately put in place a range of support and training for staff and are confident that record-keeping will be maintained at a much higher standard in relation to this scheme.

“We would like to reassure users of the services that the safety of individuals receiving our care is of the greatest importance.”

Sheila Grant, from the CQC, said: “This warning sends a clear and public message to Darlington Borough Council that they need to address this issue as a matter of urgency or face serious consequences.”