A care home where not everyone is ‘consistently treated with dignity and respect’ has been ordered to improve for the fourth time.Cherry Tree House, in Romiley, Stockport, is still rated as ‘requires improvement’ following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission watchdog.
The Compstall Road home provides care for up to 81 older people, including those with physical disabilities and dementia, but has not been classed as ‘good’ for more than four years. When officials visited they found that bedrooms at the facility were spacious and could be personalised, while a programme of activities had been put in place to support people's emotional wellbeing.
But steps taken to drive ‘ongoing improvement’ since the last inspection had not been effective at resolving previous issues or identifying new ones. A new CQC report says that the management team took ‘immediate action’ to address any concerns that arose during the inspection - but the ‘track record’ of the provider ‘did not demonstrate that the required improvements could be effectively made and embedded at the service’.
London And Manchester Healthcare (Romiley) Ltd, which runs the home says it is now 'working tirelessly' to address the issues raised by the CQC. Inspectors found that people's experience of being cared for at the home varied and ‘not everyone was consistently treated with dignity and respect’.
They noted how people were not always well treated and sometimes did not get the support they needed or had to wait for it.
The report continues: “We observed mealtimes where people were supported to get ready for their meals but then left to wait for long periods of time for their meals. We noted occasions where people became anxious and unsettled as a result of waiting, whilst others became less alert, and in some instances fell asleep.”
People gave mixed views about how they were cared for but generally described the regular staff positively. One person told inspectors: “They are like my friends. I know the staff and they know me." However, another said, "There was one member of staff who shouted at me. I have insisted they don't come into my room anymore."
While officials saw ‘positive and kind interactions’ between residents and staff, they also noted occasions where ‘people were not given reassurance as needed or were ignored’. “At times people were overly restricted and told to ‘sit down’.” the report adds.
Inspectors also found not enough was being done to ensure people at risk of weight loss were eating enough to maintain a balanced diet. This placed people at risk of harm and was a breach of care regulations.Officials reported that staff were not 'effectively deployed' throughout the day to meet people's needs.
And while staff spoke positively about the training they received, inspectors found this was ‘not always evident in how we observed people being cared for’.The home was rated as ‘requires improvement’ in all areas - including safety - with the exception of leadership, which was found to be ‘inadequate’.
A spokesperson for London And Manchester Healthcare (Romiley) Ltd said the provider was 'deeply disappointed with the report', but had been working tirelessly since the inspection took place to address all of the issues raised.
They added: “Whilst we accept that the ongoing issues highlighted in the report fall below the standard we expected, we have allocated additional resources to support the home to ensure that the required improvements are achieved and maintained. A robust and detailed action plan is in place, and we are pleased with the progress being made and the feedback we are receiving about the improvements in the home from our external partners.
"We continue to work closely with the CQC, local authority, and local healthcare professionals to make sure we are delivering good quality care and support.” The CQC will meet with the provider to discuss how it will make changes to ensure the home’s rating improves to at least good.
It will also work with the local authority to monitor progress.
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