Inspector's report on '˜inadequate' care home deemed harsh by bosses

The Chestnuts Care Home in Normanton has been placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after being given an “inadequate” rating by inspectors.

The CQC demanded improvements at the home, which is owned by Fieldhouse Care Ltd, after unannounced visits in November and December.

They found dirty bathrooms at the home and criticised record keeping and leadership.

The report said: “People told us they thought the staff were very caring.

“One relative of a person living in the home told us, ‘The carers and the nurses are brilliant, they really do a good job’.”

But inspectors were concerned to see people lying in bed with the doors to their rooms wide open.

The report said: “We also noted bathrooms without locks. This was pointed out to the owner during our inspection.

“This demonstrated a lack of consideration for peoples’ right to privacy and dignity.”

One resident told the CQC: “Staff walk past. They don’t always stop to talk to me. They are not bothered.” Another said: “It’s like I’m not here.”

There were concerns that residents were not involved in decisions about their care.

The report said: “The people living in the home were not supported to be autonomous or independent.”

Repairs were needed to the lift and cooker and boilers had been found to be in a poor condition.

The report said: “The premises and equipment were not repaired in a timely manner.

“There were not sufficient staff to support peoples’ needs. People had to wait unacceptable periods of time to have their call bells answered.”

The Chestnuts said in a statement: “We pride ourselves on being a good caring home where service users’ needs are at the heart of everything we do which is corroborated by feedback from service users, relatives and professionals alike.

“We have faults, as do many care homes, and absolutely take on board the recommendations made by CQC, however the majority of recommendations are easily rectifiable and have already been actioned and resolved.”

Bosses questioned how the inspection was carried out and the feedback they were given at the time by the CQC.

They added: “We feel the judgement of ‘inadequate’ is not justified and is harsh, having the potential to destroy a care home and business that has an excellent reputation within the community.”