Wigan care service '˜ran out' of anxiety meds for weeks

A Wigan care service has been told to make improvements after watchdogs found it breached health regulations.
Ashwood Care is based at Golborne Enterprise ParkAshwood Care is based at Golborne Enterprise Park
Ashwood Care is based at Golborne Enterprise Park

Ashwood Care Home, based in Golborne, was assessed by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission who told bosses to make changes to improve the safety and management of the service.

The care provider looks after around 170 people across Wigan, delivering personal care to people living in their own houses, specialist housing and flats in the community.

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Ashwood Care is used by adults of all ages with dementia, mental health conditions, sensory impairments and physical disabilities.

At the time of the inspection, which took place in July, inspectors raised concerns about the safety of the service.

The report, which was published this week, says: “One person had missed a calcium supplement for one week but there was no information recorded to identify what action had been taken in response.

“We found handwritten entries on Medical Administration Records (MARs) for rescue medicines needed for an acute infection or breathing problems but these were not signed or dated and there was no indication that the staff making the MAR entry understood the use of these medicines.

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“Another medicine used to treat anxiety disorders had been started in June 2018 but had ran out; we saw the office had been informed but no other action in response to this was recorded.

“We found more handwritten entries for anti-inflammatory medicines and other medicines used for anxiety and tension and none of these were signed or dated.

"Notes had been made about these new medicines but there was no mention about the need to take one of these with food, which is very important to ensure a therapeutic dose is received.”

Despite the service’s failings, CQC officials hailed the management and staff for numerous successes, including the recruitment process and the way that service users are treated by their care-givers.

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One person using the service, who has been kept anonymous, told inspectors: ““Yes, the carers come in and get the job done and do what I need them to do.”

Another added: “My carers are absolutely wonderful, if I want anything at all they are fantastic.”

Ashwood Care management has been told to address the concerns raised by the CQC regarding unsafe medical administration and ineffective auditing to avoid breaching regulations.

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