Tyneside care home rated ‘inadequate’ in CQC inspection
Written by Eleanor Tait on 10th November 2024
A Newcastle care home remains in ‘special measures’ after inspectors continued to find fault with the safety of its services.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced it is taking steps to protect residents at Bowland Lodge, located in the Benwell area of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, after they rated the care home as overall ‘inadequate’ for a second time this year.
CQC inspectors reported that staff lacked guidance on how to correctly administer medicines which were not always stored appropriately and sometimes kept beyond their expiration dates. Hygiene and cleanliness was also a problem, with a stained shower chair and clogged extractor fans being discovered by inspectors.
In addition, although residents’ care needs had been assessed, their care plans were not always consistent with their requirements.
Linda Hirst, CQC deputy director of operations in the north said: “It was disappointing that despite some improvements being made since we last inspected, we continued to identify shortfalls that compromised people’s safety and wellbeing regarding medicines and risk management and the safety of the environment.
“It was concerning that leaders hadn’t fixed some safety issues since our last inspection which could place people at risk of harm. These included a rotting and leaking window, unsafe access to the rear of the building, uncollected rubbish and an insecure drain cover. There was also an exposed circuit board in the passenger lift, a large crack in the lounge ceiling and a broken hoist in a bedroom.”
The care home, which provides accommodation and personal care for up to 36 residents living with mental health conditions and dementia, has already been in ‘special measures’ since their last inspection in April. This means that the CQC will continue to closely monitor the service and check that improvements are being made.
The CQC say that if a care provider does not improve its rating from ‘inadequate’ within 12 months of being placed in ‘special measures’, they will take action to end the operation of their services. Records kept by HM Courts and Tribunal Service also revealed that the owners of Bowland Lodge are also set to make an appearance before a Care Standards Tribunal in Newcastle on the 21st January 2025.
While inspectors did observe some improvements since their last visit, with more accurate record-keeping and positive feedback received about staff, the CQC remain concerned about Bowland Lodge’s quality of care.
Ms. Hirst said: “We have told leaders where we expect to see rapid, widespread improvements and will continue to monitor the home closely to keep people safe during this time. We will return to check on their progress and won’t hesitate to take further action if people aren’t receiving the care they have a right to expect.”
Spark have reached out to the owners of Bowland Lodge for comment.
