Wigan care home shows drastic improvements

Woodlands Court in Aspull was slammed by health watchdogs in a report released last August in which inspectors found it was not safe, effective, responsive, caring or well-led.

However the Ash Lane home, run by Minster Care Group, has managed to pull itself back from the brink of closure by overhauling services.

Following the last inspection, during which Care Quality Commission inspectors discovered soiled mattresses, greasy dining tables and residents left with faecal matter under their fingernails, the home appointed a new manager to lead a raft of newly-trained staff.

The CQC, which also found numerous health and social care breaches, ordered major improvements to care provisions.

In the most recent inspection carried out in March and published this month, auditors praised all aspects of the home - which currently accommodates 32 residents.

Two adult social care inspectors and two pharmacist inspectors attended the property unannounced.

In the report they wrote the following, summarising their findings about safety: “At our last inspection in June 2017, this key question was rated as ‘inadequate’. This was because we identified concerns relating to safeguarding people from abuse, mitigating risk, medication, infection control and insufficient numbers of staff to care for people living at the home.

“During this inspection we found these concerns had been addressed. The people we spoke with told us they felt the home was a safe place to live.

“One person said ‘I feel a lot safer here.’ Another said ‘If I am in pain I can ask for something and that helps.’ A third said ‘very safe thank you.’”

The first inspection observed that people were not always being treated with “dignity and respect”, however on the CQC’s return, these concerns had also been addressed.

Following the latest report a spokesperson for the home said: “Immediate action was taken last year to address all of the shortcomings identified within the CQC’s report.

“A new manager was appointed and they have worked closely with our regional management team to improve procedures, the standard of care provided, and the physical environment of the home.

“Staff numbers were increased and all new and existing staff underwent rigorous training. Many furnishings were replaced and a number of rooms were completely refurbished.

“Feedback from residents, their families and the CQC points to a noticeable improvement.”