A DAMNING report into a care home for the elderly, which has been placed into special measures, has revealed its residents were not safe during its latest inspection.

Beechwood Care Home on Romanby Road in Northallerton, was recently rated ‘Inadequate’ after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found its 52 residents were at an immediate risk of avoidable harm.

In March 2015, a dementia patient at the care home choked to death on liquid medication that had been left within his reach by a nurse who then failed to resuscitate him.

The unannounced inspection found the Hill Care UK-run care home, which can accommodate up to 60 residents, was not safe or well-led.

CQC inspectors found the care home was not sufficiently cleaned, stains and faeces were found on the walls and surfaces of toilet areas, arm chairs and pressure cushions were stained, and there was a “strong smell of urine” on the ground floor.

The Northern Echo:

Inspectors assessing the care home, previously rated ‘Good’ by the CQC in 2016, discovered cleaning schedules were not in place, increasing the risk of infection to residents.

The two-day inspection also highlighted accidents and incidents had not been fully recorded by the management at the time, and that the senior management were not always made aware of the incident for an appropriate investigation to be carried out.

Inspectors were told that one resident suffered a fall and its cause was identified, however a risk assessment highlighting the problem had not been updated.

They found another resident, suffering with a swallowing problem, did not have a choking risk assessment carried out by staff, increasing their risk of harm.

On both visits, inspectors discovered tablets left on the floor during both days of their visit, while they found those responsible for administering medicines did not always complete regular assessments to ensure continued ability to carry out their duties safely.

Enforcing immediate action, the CQC said residents were not protected from the unsafe management of medicines, as medicine errors were not always recorded and responded to.

It also said the care home relied on agency staff who were not always able to meet individual’s needs.

A statement from the CQC report said: “We will work with the local authority to monitor progress.

"We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme, if we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.”

In response to the findings, Beechwood Care Home told The Northern Echo a new management team had been put in place.

They said: “We are sorry for the failings identified in the CQC’s latest inspection report.

"Immediate action was taken to rectify safety concerns identified by inspectors during their visit in August and early September. "We are continuing to work closely with the CQC and the North Yorkshire County Council Collective Care Team and have completed a detailed action plan of improvements.

"A new management team has been put in place to oversee the operation of the care home and we are in discussions with residents and their family members about the service.

"Our highest priority is providing a safe, comfortable and caring environment for those who reside with us and we have made the changes to ensure this is being achieved.”