Failing Bamber Bridge care home at risk of closure after second 'inadequate' report in six months

Withy Grove House in Poplar Grove, Bamber Bridge, was found to be in breach of five regulations when inspected in July, relating to safe care and treatment, safeguarding users from abuse and improper treatment, the need for consent and good governance.

The home had been - and continues to be - under threat of closure, and although there is evidence of a “gradual improvement”, it has been judged as not always safe or well-led.

An unannounced inspection was held in October, after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) received information about the service regarding standards of care, nutritional support, management and safeguarding.

Inspectors found the home was cleaner and tidier, calmer, redecoration was underway, the dining experience of patients had been improved after the previous inspection found people were given an “inappropriate diet at meal times”, and an experienced interim management team had been put into the home.

However, concerns were still raised in a report issued earlier this month, including:

- Errors in the management of medicines

- No registered manager was in post

- Information not included in care planning, including the use of sensor mats for falls prevention and no risk assessment for people who smoked

- The home was still using a high number of agency staff to cover gaps in the staff rota, especially on the night duty

- There was no record of monitoring cleanliness of wheelchairs and three radiator covers were not secured to the wall, putting people at risk of injury

Inspectors said: “We could see that the registered provider was putting in the resources to help make improvements in safety, staffing, safeguarding, risk assessment and raise standards of care.

“Gradual progress was underway to meet the action plan provided. However, this gradual improvement itself was not sufficient to fully meet the regulations in these area and evidence sustainability.”

A spokesperson for the home said: “We are understandably disappointed with the outcome of this inspection, which does not meet the high standards we set. We have acted on the feedback immediately and we are working closely with the CQC and Lancashire County Council to address the findings.

“We have recently appointed new members of staff, including a new full time manager, a change manager, and a deputy manager, and have created a robust action plan which is already yielding positive results.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 38 people living in the home with 18 on the nursing unit and 20 on the residential.