Care home given warning to improve standards

It follows an unannounced visit by inspectors to the Archery Bower care home, in Richmond, on February 27 following complaints about the way medicines were administered.

Inspectors found the owner, Lifestyle (Abbey Care) Ltd, was failing to ensure that residents were fully protected from the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medicines.

They found that vital medication had been allowed to run out of stock, which had an impact on health.

One person’s medication records had been altered to increase the dosage required. However, this had not been signed by the prescriber, and there was no explanation given as to why the change had been made.

Jo Dent, Yorkshire’s regional director of the CQC, said the warning sent a clear message that the owners needed to address the issue as a matter of urgency or face “serious consequences”.

A spokesman for Lifestyle (Abbey Care) Ltd said: “We’re working closely with the CQC and have rectified the concerns raised and are awaiting a further inspection to demonstrate that we’re fully compliant.”