Staffing levels highlighted as CQC issues damning verdict on HC-One service

A damning CQC report on a HC-One care home has highlighted inadequate staffing levels and problems with agency workers.

Ferndale Court Nursing Home in Widnes was rated ‘inadequate’ in all categories following an inspection by the CQC.

The CQC said: “On this inspection we found the provider had not ensured that sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, competent skilled and experienced persons were being deployed effectively. The registered provider had also failed to ensure that their systems were being implemented or followed effectively to assess, monitor and improve the quality of the service.”

Story continues below

Advertisement

The home’s registered manager told inspectors that agency staffing was their biggest challenge and reported issues with people not arriving when meant to or another staff member being sent to the one named on the rota.

One resident told inspectors: “There isn’t enough staff, they are too busy.” Another resident complained that they had been left on the toilet for two-and-a-half hours.

People at the home were observed in an “unkempt” state with “dirty long finger nails” and breakfast food on their clothes. Sections of the home were also found to be dirty with strong malodours.

HC-One “apologised unreservedly” to residents and their relatives for the home’s shortcomings.

The provider said an experienced turnaround manager had introduced a number of measures to improve the standards, including refreshing staff training, undertaking a thorough audit of care plans and scheduling weekly visits by the area team to provide support.

A spokesperson said the home’s improvement plan was “progressing well”, adding the local authority was pleased with progress made.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority and we will not rest until we know that the improvements we have already made are sustained and we are meeting the expected standards for every resident every day,” the spokesperson said.

“We look forward to the CQC returning to demonstrate the improvements made at Ferndale court.”