Nuneaton care home placed into special measures after death of resident

The Care Quality Commission made the decision after an unannounced visit in February

Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 5th May 2023

A care home in Nuneaton has been put into special measures after a resident died.

The Care Quality Commission rated People in Action's centre inadequate.

Inspectors made an unannounced visit in February and found standards in areas including safety weren't being met.

The report came after the CQC and police were involved in an investigation into the death at the home in Manor Court Road.

Rebecca Bauers, CQC’s director for people with a learning disability and autistic people said:

“We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people the safety, choices, dignity, and independence that most people take for granted. When we inspected People in Action care home in Nuneaton, we had concerns that these needs weren’t being met at the standards people should be able to expect. It wasn’t acceptable that leaders were allowing a culture to exist where people weren’t being given the opportunity to lead their best lives.

“We found leaders didn’t provide staff with the resources to assess risks to people’s health and safety, and care plans lacked guidance and clarity for staff on how to manage the risks. For example, staff weren’t aware of the different types of epilepsy, the risks of a seizure, and preventative actions to take to keep people safe as it wasn’t included in risk management plans. One person’s care record stated they hadn’t had a seizure since 2021, yet inspectors were told by staff that the person had one last year. Staff also weren’t sure who should be contacted if someone was having a seizure due to an inconsistent epilepsy care plan.

“Additionally, we found people spent time by themselves and staff were sat together in a separate area. They didn't regularly check on people to see how they were or to have any communication, which may have caused them to feel isolated and alone. For example, one person spent a whole day in their room and staff didn’t attempt to interact with them, other than to give them their meal. This culture is totally unacceptable, and people deserve a higher standard of care.

“We have reported our findings to the provider, and they know what they must address. We’re working closely with the local authority to ensure people are receiving safe care and we will return to inspect the home. If sufficient progress hasn’t been made, we will not hesitate to take further action to ensure people’s safety and wellbeing.”

In response a People in Action spokesperson said:

“The findings of the CQC investigation contained within the Report make for difficult reading for all of us at People in Action.

The failings outlined, which we fully accept, do not meet the standards we have set ourselves over more than three decades of striving to enable individuals with complex needs live their most meaningful lives.

“That has been our mission from the outset but we acknowledge that at Manor Court Road we have recently failed to live up to that objective. It is the first time we have received a CQC rating of 'inadequate’ and been placed in special measures. The reasons for the failings are many and varied but there are no excuses.

“We know what we must do must to put right that which has gone wrong and are fully committed to doing so. In fact, action to rectify many of the failings identified in the Report is already underway.

“The care sector in general, and adult care in particular, faces many challenges, including staff shortages, funding, increasing need and regulatory compliance. Our job is demanding but also rewarding in knowing that today we are supporting more than 200 people with complex needs to live meaningful lives within their community.

“We are determined to regain the trust of those we exist to serve."

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