Safety at care home is '˜inadequate'

Victoria House Care Home, in Victoria Road, Polegate, was rated inadequate in all areas by the CQC in October following a visit in August.

Inspectors returned in October to make sure the home had improved its safety record, but found residents were ‘at risk of malnutrition’.

Safety, one of the five areas inspected by the health watchdog, was rated inadequate in a report released on January 28.

The report said: “Incidents and accidents continued to be poorly investigated and appropriate action was not always taken to prevent incidents from happening again, for example, when medicines were found on the floor.”

“People did not always receive their medicines as prescribed. One person had their medicines dosage increased by their GP, but this was not administered by staff for four days.”

The report said there was no evidence on file to show the home had learnt from the incidents.

Inspectors found the home was now making drinks more available to people, after the previous inspection found residents were not being offered drinks except at lunchtime.

Inspectors found residents were also at risk of legionella.

The report said: “Other actions which had been previously recommended in the March legionella risk assessment continued to be incomplete.”

Inspectors said people – including one resident who had lost weight and their appetite – had not had their risk of malnutrition assessed.

At the last inspection the CQC found there were not enough staff. The report said: “At this inspection, although staffing numbers had been increased to four per shift, the provider had not appropriately assessed people’s care needs.”

The report said some residents required two care workers to move them which wasn’t considered.

A spokesman for Victoria House, which is run by Supreme Care Ltd said: “Shortly after the CQC inspection in October 2015, the new manager, Colin Scott, with over 10 years experience as registered Manager, and been in position for three months, has taken measures to address all areas of concern identified by CQC.

“He is also currently working with CQC and East Sussex Local Authority.

“Victoria House will continue to work with all external professionals to ensure that the areas identified fully compliant and resolved in the best interests and outcomes for the residents within Victoria House Care Home.”

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