Duchess Gardens Care Centre rated 'inadequate'

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited Duchess Gardens Care Centre, Bingley, in June. 

In a report from that visit, which was unannounced, inspectors raised a number of concerns.

They highlighted the day of inspection was very warm and said: “Checks to ensure people were adequately hydrated and had access to drinks on the day of our inspection had not been carried out.”

However, they said this was dealt with immediately.

The report added: “Prior to our inspection, we received information of concern alleging records were being falsified. 

“We looked at hot water temperature records dated June 2021, which were found to be a photocopy of the May 2021 temperatures with only the date changed. 

“Following our inspection, the records for the previous six months were checked and were found to be in order. The registered manager was arranging for up-to-date temperatures to be recorded.”

Concerns were also raised about  gaps around staff knowledge relating to fire safety training.

“A health and safety audit dated March 2021 identified that not all fire safety equipment had been tested and fire curtains were damaged,” said the report.

Following the inspection, a referral was made to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service to ask them to visit the home.

The CQC said good infection control practice was “not being consistently maintained”. 

It pointed to spot checks carried out in communal bathrooms and people’s toilets, where a commode was dirty underneath and a toilet lid was stained with faeces. 

Clinical waste had also been left outside one resident’s room after staff had provided personal care.

In looking at the key question relating to leadership, which had dropped to ‘inadequate’, inspectors said: “Issues around people not receiving dignified care were identified at the two previous inspections. We identified some practice at this inspection which showed this was still a concern.

“At the last inspection, we identified care plans were not up to date or lacked detail. 

"We looked at care plans at this inspection and found three different versions in use. 

"Whilst the provider was updating these at the time of inspection, this showed prompt action had not been taken.

“There had been a high staff turnover with key senior positions affected. 

"The home was running with high agency usage for nurses and we found the units lacked leadership.”

The report said accidents and incidents were being recorded, but records did not always indicate that people’s representatives were being informed.

Despite concerns raised by inspectors, the report said people felt safe at the home and: “We saw staff showing a genuine fondness for people living in the home and people’s feedback about staff was positive.”

It added that investment in improving premises and equipment was being made and the provider had been “responsive” to the findings of the inspection.

Home manager Douglas Silveira said action plans were being put in place. 

The home is rated 'inadequate' overall and in the key questions relating to safety and leadership. It is rated 'requires improvement' in the caring and responsive questions and as 'good' for effectiveness.