Safety warning on care home run by Bromford Group

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

Urgent improvements need to be made at a care home run by a housing association that fails to protect its residents, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) warns.

Following an unannounced visit on 13 December, inspectors found Bromford Group was failing to comply with Government standards to protect the 48 residents from inappropriate or unsafe care.

The CQC has warned Bromford that it must make “immediate improvements” at its Royal Court care home in Cheltenham.

The CQC report states: “there was no evidence that they were carrying out regular assessments of people’s care needs (...) and to ensure their safety”

Care Quality Commission regional director for the south Ian Biggs said: "This warning sends a clear and public message that Royal Court needs to address this issue as a matter of urgency or face serious consequences.

"The law says that these are the standards that everyone should be able to expect. Providers have a duty to ensure they are compliant.

“Our inspectors will return to in the near future and if we find that it is not making the required progress we won’t hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who use the service."

If those are not made by set deadlines, the CQC could take action to restrict or suspend the care service.

Responding to the warning, Mick Gallagher, Head of Bromford Support, said: “Bromford has been working closely with the Care Quality Commission over the past year to ensure that the standards of care at Royal Court continue to improve. 

“We are confident that our customers are not at risk. Care plans are up to date, relevant and reflect the care needs of all our residents. Systems are in place to ensure they are appropriately reviewed.  The Care Quality Commission has been advised of this.

“The new systems we have put in place will ensure that we continue to regularly review customers’ requirements and plan and deliver care that promotes their individual needs and ensure their safety.”

A previous report published in June 2011 had already identified shortfalls in the safe administration of medication and inconsistencies in recording systems. Those had been addressed by the association.

The centre is home to 48 men and women in self-contained flats. Most are over 65 but the facilities also accommodate people with disabilities.