Inspectors condemn ‘grim’ conditions at care homes

The Care Quality Commission has told the owners of Bywater Lodge and Bywater Hall, at Allerton Bywater, near Leeds they face legal action if standards are not improved.

Inspectors found a catalogue of failings at both homes, run by provider Tri-Care Ltd, and reports identify concerns with cleanliness and infection control, staffing, management of medicines and nutrition. Immediately after the inspection CQC gave the company 10 days to provide a report showing how it would address the most serious failures.

It has now been told to show how it will comply with all the standards.

Leeds Council has stopped admissions to both homes, which can normally accommodate up to 88 people. Since the inspection CQC has been working with the NHS, the city council and others to ensure the safety of residents.

People at both homes were found not to have their privacy, dignity and independence respected, nor were their views and experiences taken into account. Staff told inspectors they would not place any of their own family members at Bywater Lodge.

Inspectors found residents were not being given adequate nutrition and hydration, and in Bywater Hall, staff did not understand how to help people at risk of malnourishment.

Tri-Care Ltd was said not to be acting to identify and prevent possible abuse and it did not respond appropriately when abuse was suspected.

Systems for dealing with infection risks were ineffective. In the reception and communal areas of both homes, there was a strong offensive odour, which was also found in the bedrooms inspected.

Mattresses were soaking and furniture soiled. On the day of the inspection, there was an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting at Bywater Hall, which spread to Bywater Lodge.

At Bywater Lodge, the acting manager told inspectors she had no confidence in anyone at the home to safely dispense any medication.

On the day of the inspection the fire alarm sounded but there was confusion among those staff who heard it and there was no response. Only 13 per cent of staff had fire training.

Jo Dent, regional director for CQC said: “These reports paint a grim picture of the care endured by people living there, which is totally unacceptable.”

Further inspections will take place in the near future.

A Tri-Care spokesman said: “Two months ago some issues were raised... these were immediately addressed and we continue to work closely with the relevant bodies.”