Chesterfield home which cares for vulnerable adults implements action plan after being rated inadequate

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected Woodthorpe Lodge on Norbriggs Road, Woodthorpe, last month and found it to be inadequate in two areas – safety and leadership.

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The CQC report said: “People were not always protected from abuse and improper treatment.

“Six staff raised concerns about the behaviour and attitude of other staff towards people living at the service.

“Some people who used the service also told us how staff sometimes shouted at people.”

According to the report, the risk of people harming themselves ‘was not managed effectively’.

Three people had self-injured or threatened to harm themselves within the last six months.

“Staff were not suitably trained in managing behaviours such as self-harm, and substance misuse,” the report added.

At the time of the inspection, there was not a registered CQC manager at Woodthorpe Lodge and management policies and procedures were ‘not routinely followed’.

The report said: “Staff morale was low, and the staff team did not feel valued and involved in the development of the service.”

Mary Cridge, CQC deputy chief inspector of adult social care, said the home would be inspected again within six months to ‘determine whether improvements have been made’.

“People using health and social care services should be able to expect high-quality care,” she added.

The CQC rated three areas at the home – effectiveness, care and responsiveness – as good.

A spokesperson for Woodthorpe Lodge told the Derbyshire Times: “Though we are disappointed with the findings of the report, we have implemented a comprehensive action plan to address all areas of concern that were raised.

“New, experienced management is in place at the home and good progress is being made to deliver the required improvements.

“Staff are undergoing further training in all key areas and we continue to work closely with residents and their relatives as we focus on making further improvements.

“The safety and well-being of the individuals we support continues to be our utmost priority.”

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