Lincolnshire care home placed in special measures

Following an inspection by the CQC in which it was rated as “inadequate”, a care home in Gainsborough has been placed in special measures.

The health watchdog said that the standard of care at the Drovers Call home, which provides accommodation for older people, including people living with dementia, was “unsafe, undignified, and totally unacceptable”.

Inspectors raised concerns about the overuse of physical restraints and medication to manage behaviour, and a lack of cleaning.

In its report, the CQC said “We found restrictive practices were used for people limiting their freedoms.  For example, a person was regularly restrained by two staff whilst a third staff member completed personal care.  Restraint was not subject to care planning to show it was a necessary and proportionate measure.

“We found chemical restraint (use of medicines to manage distress behaviours) had been used disproportionately.  This again was not subject to care planning or appropriate authorisations.”

Other concerns raised included insufficient staff numbers and a high use of agency workers “significantly increasing the risk of inconsistent care”.

Amanda Lyndon from the CQC, said “The standard of care people were receiving at Drovers Call was unsafe, undignified, and totally unacceptable.  People living at this home deserve better care and treatment.

“Following our inspection, we reported our findings to the provider so they know where we expect to see rapid improvement.

“If sufficient progress is not made, we will not hesitate to take further action to ensure people’s safety and well-being.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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