Care home with 'smell of damp' rated inadequate

A care home where inspectors found a "strong smell of damp and mould" has been rated inadequate and placed in special measures.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found there were "significant shortfalls" in care at Bearwardcote Hall Residential Home near Etwall in Derbyshire.

A report from the watchdog said incident reporting was "incomplete" while "allegations of abuse by visitors" and "unlawful restraint" were not recorded, investigated or reported correctly.

Inspectors said people were treated with "kindness and compassion", but care was "not always fully person-centred".

The care home has been approached for comment by the BBC.

Following the the inspection, the CQC identified five breaches of regulations related to safe care and treatment, consent, safeguarding, staffing and management.

By placing the home in special measures, the CQC said it would be able to carry out "close monitoring" of the service.

The watchdog has also begun the process of taking regulatory action to address concerns, which it said the care home had the right to appeal.

Greg Rielly, CQC's deputy director of adult social care in the East Midlands, said leaders at the care home "failed" to mitigate risks and put people at "significant risk of harm".

He added: "We saw leaders had failed to act on incidents or safety concerns and staff failed to record, investigate or correctly report other incidents such as allegations of abuse by people and visitors, and unlawful restraint.

Rielly said the home had "limited opportunities" for people to take part in activities, which was "especially sad" as it could lead to social isolation, particularly for people living with dementia.

He added: "The home had a strong smell of damp and mould, which we found on ceilings, walls and windowsills.

"Staff hadn't reported or addressed these issues, creating health risks for people in the home.

"We referred this issue to the environmental health department at the local authority."

However the report said people experienced care from staff who were "compassionate and kind, contributing to a positive atmosphere".

"Relatives echoed this, noting that staff were approachable and treated people respectfully," the report said.

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