Allerton Park Care Centre rated 'inadequate' by the CQC

Allerton Park Care Centre, on Oaks Lane in Allerton, was plunged into special measures following an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July. 

Inspectors said that what they found was "completely unacceptable" and said further regulatory action could be taken "to keep people safe". 

A spokesperson for the home, which is run by Park Homes (UK) Limited, said the concerns raised in the report are being taken seriously and will be addressed "promptly and comprehensively". 

The home supports people living with dementia and some who have mental health needs.

Following the inspection, the overall rating dropped from 'good' to 'inadequate', as did how safe and well-led the service is. Effective, caring and responsive were not inspected and therefore remain rated as 'good'.

As the home is in special measures, the CQC said it will be kept under close review "to keep people safe and re-inspected to check sufficient improvements have been made". 

Alison Chilton, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said: “When we inspected Allerton Park Care Centre, we found there was a lack of effective leadership.

"Our experience tells us when a service isn’t well-led, it’s less likely to be able to meet people’s needs, which is what we found here.

“Inspectors found safety was a concern. For example, someone was constantly pulling at another person in the home and making them walk around.

"Both people had behaviour support plans in place due to the risk of them becoming physically aggressive, however, staff failed to intervene and manage the situation to prevent them or anyone else coming to harm.

“Additionally, we found daily care records weren’t always accurate.

"There were records showing four people had eaten all their lunch, however, inspectors observed this wasn’t the case. This put people at risk of being malnourished.

Allerton Park Care Centre (Image: Newsquest)

“When inspectors asked people if they felt safe, there was a mixed response. One person told us they were often asked for cigarettes from other people staying at the home and were subject to verbal abuse if they didn’t share. Everyone should be able to feel safe in a place they call home.

“What we found at this inspection was completely unacceptable and we expect the provider to take immediate action to address our concerns. We are considering what further regulatory action to take to keep people safe and we will report on this when we are able to.”

The CQC said inspectors found:

• People were at risk of harm as the provider had not identified, assessed or mitigated risks. These included risks related to people’s health and care needs as well as environmental risks.

• The environment was tired, not well maintained and unclean.

• Staff did not always follow safe infection and control practices.

• Medicines were not managed safely.

• Some people said they did not feel safe in the home.

• People were not supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did not support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.

• There was a lack of effective leadership and ineffective information systems.

However, inspectors said there were safe recruitment processes in place and staffing levels were sufficient.

A spokesperson for Park Homes UK said: “Park Homes UK takes the recent rating issued by CQC very seriously.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of our residents. We acknowledge the concerns raised by the regulator, and we are fully dedicated to addressing these issues promptly and comprehensively.

“The rating provided by CQC highlights areas where our service may have fallen short of the regulatory requirements. We deeply regret any impact this may have on our stakeholders and assure you that we are taking immediate actions to improve and resolve these matters.

“To rectify the issues identified, we have implemented a comprehensive plan that includes a thorough internal review of compliance procedures and processes at the home and have put in extra resources to support us to quickly resolve all highlighted concerns at Allerton Park.

“We want to reassure everyone that we are fully dedicated to resolving these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible outcomes for our residents.”