Marland Court Care Home inadequate, says Care Quality Commission

Marland Court Care Home in Rochdale has been rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following its latest inspection.

The home, which is a 24 bedroom home that cares for people over 65, was deemed inadequate after failing to comply with regulations set out by the CQC in previous inspections.

The unannounced inspection took place on 31 January 2015 and found a number of breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010.

Whilst the home was being inspected, the inspectors observed unsafe practice when two care workers transferred one person from a wheelchair to an armchair in the lounge. One of the care workers involved told the inspectors that she had not received training in moving and handling.

Care plans were also described as “lacking guidance” for staff to follow about when people should be given medicines prescribed to be taken ‘when required’.

The home was described as “clean” but inspectors did see three toilets that remained “soiled until mid-afternoon”.

The report also stated that the system in place for staff supervision and appraisal did not adequately support staff to work safely and continue their training and development. There was no evidence to demonstrate that any of the staff had received Medical Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). These provide legal safeguards for people who are unable to make decisions about their own care and treatment.

Resident’s preferences were not always considered in the daily routine. There was an expectation that most residents would be up and ready for breakfast by 8am. This meant that care workers started getting people up at 5am irrespective of their wishes.

The report also stated that information about people’s interests and hobbies were not recorded in care plans and this made it difficult to engage residents with dementia in meaningful activities.

The report also added that the registered manager needed to be more proactive in obtaining the views of people who use the service and their representatives in order to identify areas for improvement.

Despite the failings, a number of good points were highlighted.

The reported stated that people who used the service and the visitors told inspectors that Marland Court was a safe place to live and that safeguarding procedures were robust and members of staff understood their role in safeguarding vulnerable people from harm.

Recruitment procedures were thorough so that residents were protected from the employment of unsuitable staff.

All of the residents asked by inspectors stated that meals were good. Snacks and drinks were readily available throughout the day and inspectors found that most people’s weight and nutrition was monitored so that prompt action could be taken if any problems were identified.

Residents were registered with a GP and had access to a full range of other health and social care professionals.

Residents also told inspectors that they received the care and support they needed and throughout the inspection, inspectors saw that members of staff were respectful and spoke to people who used the service in a courteous and friendly matter.

Phillip Leicester, from Elizabeth House Limited, the Responsible Individual for Marland Court could not be reached for comment.