Care home needs improvement

Parkgate Manor, in Catsfield, Battle was inspected by the Care Quality Commission in March.

Inspectors found the care home requires improvement in all areas and even breached government regulations.

A report published on June 18, states: “Meal times were not always efficiently run by staff which resulted in people’s dignity not being respected.

“Some people’s clothes and appearance were untidy and uncared for.

“Although people, staff and visitors spoke positively of the management, care staff at busy times were not effectively led by senior staff. This was apparent at meal times.”

Inspectors also saw staff on two occasions using ‘poor’ techniques to move people – despite having training – and some people’s care plans did not include up-to-date information.

However, they said medicines were stored correctly, people’s health needs were ‘proactively met’, there was a sufficient level of staffing and residents told inspectors they felt safe living at Parkgate Manor.

The report said: “There were areas of good practice and a visiting GP was complimentary about the responsiveness of staff when dealing with people health needs.

“Friends and relatives were able to visit people whenever they chose and were made welcome by staff.

“We saw a number of visitors come and go during the inspection and they were greeted warmly by staff.

“Staff were seen to be kind and caring and knew people well.”

The safety, effectiveness, leadership, responsiveness and care of the staff at the home was assessed by inspectors.

Inspectors last visited the service in September 2014, following information about the safety of care home residents.

They discovered the care home had not ‘taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening’ and found there were not enough experienced and skilled staff.

However, an action plan was put in place and inspectors said there had since been an improvement in these areas since the inspection.

Staff reported they felt management listened to their needs and supported them.

Parkgate Manor cares for people with learning disabilities – and at the time of the inspection there were 36 residents.

Parkgate Manor declined to comment on the report.