Leicestershire care home shut down following inadequate rating by inspectors

Magistrates have approved the closure of a care home which was found to be “unsafe and understaffed” by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission.

Following an unannounced inspection last November, Berrystead Nursing and Residential Home in Leicestershire was placed in special measures in January.

The inspection revealed that there was only one working shower between 34 residents, which was “not clean or fit for purpose”.  Inspectors also round residents were not protected from the risk of infection and the environment was poorly maintained and not fit for purpose.

Following the inadequate rating, a court order was granted to close the home on Thursday.

The report said that staff numbers were “not sufficient” to meet the needs of their residents or keep them safe.

It went on to say “Due to staff shortages, domestic staff also assisted and supported people at meal times and in the kitchen when required.

“It is not recommended that staff have cleaning and care duties on the same shift due to the risk of cross infection.”

A spokesperson from the CQC said it had taken “urgent action to protect people living” at the care home.  They added “While our legal processes do not allow us to go in to further detail at this stage, we will publish a report setting out full details of our concerns and inspection findings in due course.”

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said “We’re now working closely with the families of residents as well as partners across health, the city council and Rutland County Council to arrange suitable accommodation.

“While that is happening, overseeing the care and wellbeing of those affected residents is our priority.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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