Swarthdale Nursing Home in Ulverston, South Cumbria, has been placed under special measures after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found it to be inadequate. The unannounced inspection, conducted in April 2023, revealed concerns regarding infection control, management, staffing, and breaches of legal requirements.
During the inspection, the focus initially centered on safety and management. However, as the inspection progressed, it became evident that there were several breaches relating to safe care and treatment, person-centered care, the need for consent, receiving and acting on complaints, staffing, and good governance. The report concluded that residents were not adequately protected against harm, some staff members had not completed the required training, and the provider lacked effective oversight.
According to the report, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the level of staff availability and activities provided. Additionally, inspectors observed instances where staff failed to adhere to proper hygiene practices and lacked clarity on Covid-19 guidance due to inadequate communication from the registered manager.
Despite these shortcomings, the inspectors recognized that staff systems were in place for recruitment and that staff interactions with residents were generally kind, caring, and respectful. The home, which has the capacity to accommodate up to 43 people, also demonstrated flexibility in catering to residents’ mealtime preferences.
The CQC will now meet with the provider to discuss necessary changes and improvements. They will require the nursing home to work towards achieving at least a good rating.
Swarthdale Nursing Home declined to comment when approached by reporters.
