Care home is '˜inadequate'

Douglas Bank Nursing Home, in Appley Bridge, has been deemed “inadequate” and put on “special measures” by the Care Quality Commission following a recent inspection. The report, released this week, details a vast number of shortfalls regarding the safety and cleanliness of the home- including mouldy blinds and dead insects in a conservatory area.

“Trailing wires” and “uncovered radiators”, one of which was deemed excessively hot, were also added to the lengthy list of potential hazards for the vulnerable inhabitants, all of whom require help with personal needs including a number of dementia sufferers.

The report states: “We noted that the provider had not always informed us of significant events, such as serious injuries. We had not been notified of a fall, which resulted in a serious injury and which had a lasting effect on the person concerned.

“This person’s mobility plan of care showed a significant deterioration in their health since the fall in December 2016, which resulted in a serious injury. During the course of our inspection we observed many areas of risk, which did not protect people who lived at the home.

“The Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans [PEEPs] were not always accurate, which placed people at the risk of harm. Some areas of the home we found to be unsafe and fire safety was an issue. Although some improvements had been made in relation to infection control since our last inspection, parts of the home could have been cleaner on this occasion.”

At the last inspection in March 2016, Douglas Bank “required improvements” but since then it has deteriorated due to concerns about the services not being adequately led.

Despite this, it was reported that a new manager had only been in post for three weeks. If the home has not improved in six months, it is at risk of being closed down.

Owners, Tudor Bank Limited, were not available to comment.