Security concerns at nursing home

INSPECTORS rated a Springhead nursing home as "requires improvement" over concerns about security.

Stoneleigh House was given the rating, the second bottom of four ratings, following an unannounced inspection on October 26.

Inspectors said that "poor" security at the home, after visitors left the entrance door ajar, meant they could enter the home without the knowledge of staff.

However, registered manager at the home, Diane Riley, said it was "disappointing" that this one issue meant they received the 'requires improvement' rating.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report said: "We found one breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

"This related to the lack of security on entering the building, as we were able to gain entry without the knowledge of the staff and walk throughout the whole of the building.

"This meant that managers and staff were unaware of who was in the building, so the safety and security of the people who used the service and their belongings could not be assured.

"We saw that the entrance was normally secured with a locked door and key code entry system but the door was left ajar by the previous visitors.

"When we informed the registered manager of this she immediately put up a sign by the front door reminding all visitors to ensure that the door was firmly closed on exiting the building."

Care provision, effectiveness and responsiveness at Stoneleigh House, which provides nursing and personal care for up to 31 residents, were all rated 'good' in the report. Findings published in the report said: "Everyone we spoke with was complimentary about the manager and staff at the care home.

"One person who used the service told us: 'The staff really know how to look after us. All of them are kind and caring, and always smiling'.

Safe

"People told us they felt safe and arrangements were in place to safeguard people from harm.

"The home was well maintained. The service had a manager registered with the CQC who was held in high regard by staff and residents."

No concerns were raised by the local authority safeguarding and commissioning teams after they were contacted by the CQC prior to the inspection.

Ms Riley said: "Overall, the care and support shown by the staff was said to be of a high standard.

"I think the report reflects how well the staff support people.

"It is a shame about the one problem because the staff work really hard.

"The issue has now been resolved.

"It is quite disappointing because the problem let us down in two areas of the report."