Residents left in ‘undignified positions’ at Chesterfield care home now in special measures

Ashcroft Nursing Home in Hady has been rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission – the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England – which found it was unsafe with ‘widespread and significant shortfalls in service leadership’.

Multiple failings in relation to coronavirus safety procedures were uncovered.

The inspectors’ report read: “The provider had failed to ensure government guidelines for working safely in care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic were implemented and adhered to.

"We sign-posted the registered manager to guidance for identifying early signs of Covid-19 during the inspection visit, four days later these measures had not yet been implemented because the provider told us they could not locate the guidance.”

Not all staff wore PPE appropriately, residents were not routinely monitored for the early signs of infection and no action had been taken to promote social distancing in some areas.

Additionally, “people were not always protected from abuse and improper treatment.”

The report continued: “Staff told us they did not always feel confident to support people when they presented with behaviours that challenged, and had at times, reluctantly left people in uncomfortable or undignified positions.”

Nine staff members had not started training deemed ‘essential’ by the provider, while essential training for a further 11 staff had expired.

Five staff members had not had their competencies assessed in any areas, and there were not always safe staffing levels.

What else did the inspection find?

Two instances of abuse had not been investigated or referred to the local safeguarding authority, and people's relatives had not been informed.

A lack of clear guidance on how to support people with challenging behaviour had also led to staff getting injured.

Inspectors visited the care home, which at the time was home to 32 people, in Novemember 2020 at five minutes’ notice after they received concerns in relation to staffing.

It was previously rated as ‘requires improvement’ in 2019.

People were also misled about the quality of care on offer, the report found. The home claimed to have been awarded a 'quality banding Premium' by the local authority but this relates to finance payment options, rather than the care provided.

Relatives did tell inspectors they were confident their relation was supported by kind and caring staff.

What did the care home say?

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care, which runs Ashcroft Nursing Home, said a “comprehensive action plan” has been implemented.

They added: “The Covid-19 pandemic quickly created immense challenges for all organisations in the health and social care sectors and we continue to strive every day to protect everyone in our homes.

"We deeply regret that Ashcroft Nursing Home has fallen below the standards that the CQC requires and that we expect."

The facility could be prevented from providing care if improvements are not made within six months.

The spokesperson continued: “Our strict protocols on infectious diseases remain in place and vaccinations are underway for residents and colleagues.

“We are pleased that the report recognised our kind and caring colleagues, and the clear and regular communication shared with relatives. As ever, the wellbeing of our residents is our priority and we will continue to put all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.”

What did Derbyshire County Council have to say?

A spokesperson told The Derbyshire Times: “Throughout the pandemic we have worked hard to support care homes in the private and voluntary sector in Derbyshire through these very difficult times so it is disappointing to find a home hasn’t followed the Government guidelines.

“We are continuing to work with this home to support it to make the improvements it needs to.”