'Basic needs unmet' as care home downgraded

A care home has been put into special measures after inspectors raised concerns about safety and failures to meet residents' "basic needs".

Woodfield Care Home in Greetland, Halifax, was downgraded from good to inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in November and December.

The CQC said the home breached three regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, staffing and governance.

The operator Woodfield Care Home Limited has been contacted for comment.

Being in special measures means the home will be subject to close monitoring to ensure people are safe while improvements are made.

The home provides care for up to 36 people, some of who may have dementia, a sensory sensory impairment or a physical disability.

The CQC said during the time of the assessment, 31 people were living at the home and that the local authority had placed a suspension on new admissions due to concerns.

Inspectors found concerns had been raised about people being isolated in their bedrooms and that leaders did not ensure the environment was safe for people to live in.

Victoria Marsden, CQC deputy director of operations, north adult social care, said: "For example, a person living with dementia who lacked capacity had left the building unnoticed by staff on more than one occasion which placed them at serious risk of harm."

Inspectors said people's basic needs "weren't always met" and that "staff didn't complete people's care plans to include details about their preferences and wishes".

Marsden added: "A relative told us they were concerned about the appearance of their relative who appeared unkempt due to a lack of staff support with their personal care."

The report note that while staff were found to be "kind and caring", they were not "supported by leaders to deliver safe care".

It added: "Leaders also didn't ensure staffing levels were sufficient, meaning people often experienced delays in receiving support."

Marsden added: "We have told leaders where we expect to see rapid, and continued improvements and will continue to monitor the home closely to keep people safe during this time."

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