Watchdog labels Emsworth care home ‘not safe’ and ‘inadequate’

Lane End House, in Lane End Drive, Emsworth, received a negative report from the Care Quality Commission after an inspection in November, 2014.

The report has now been published, stating ‘people’s safety was at risk’ when the home was visited.

“Some people had injuries that had not been recorded, reported or investigated appropriately,” said the report, adding risk assessments were not in place to ensure people were protected.

The home had 18 residents at the time of the inspection, with room for 22 in total.

However, manager Balkrishna Ramaya-Untiah said the report was nearly six months old and the home had made substantial progress since the inspection.

“We’re working with Hampshire County Council and the quality governance officer who visits us on a regular basis to see our progress and we’re very pleased with the progress made,” he said.

It received an overall rating of inadequate in November, and sub-categories on safety and leadership were also rated inadequate.

Categories on effectiveness, care and responsiveness were all labelled as requiring improvement.

Despite increased staff levels on the day of the unannounced inspection, the report said people did not receive care in a timely manner.

One resident told the CQC: “I have been banging on the door for an hour, I wanted to get out but couldn’t. I think they do it on purpose.”

The person was referring to being in a bedroom. When asked about the incident, a staff member was ‘dismissive’, said the CQC.

It has taken a number of enforcement actions where regulations were not being met, restricting admissions to the home.

The care provider is Caromar Care Limited.

“The duty rota showed they spent considerable time in the home and worked regular sleep-in duties,” said the report.

Residents also did not appear to have a say in their care plans, with the local authority saying many plans seemed ‘very similar and not focused on the person as an individual’.

People were treated respectfully and in ways that promoted their dignity, however the report said there were not enough staff to ensure people’s needs could be met at all times.

Eight staff, one domestic staff member and a cook were employed at the home.