TWO more care homes in Bradford has been ordered to improve by the health watchdog.

Willow Bank Care Home, Bell Dean Road, Allerton, was judged as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and placed in special measures, while Greystones Nursing Home, Parsons Road, Heaton, was given the ‘requires improvement’ rating.

Inspectors who visited Willow Bank – which provides care for older people – in December last year and then in January this year, said they found breaches of regulations.

In looking at the safety of Willow Bank, inspectors said they could not be confident only people suitable to work in the caring profession were employed. They also raised concerns about moving and handling practices and inspectors made three safeguarding referrals.

The report outlined comments from one person in the home who said: “No, I don’t feel safe here because I can’t see very well. They don’t tell me what’s going on. I don’t think there are enough staff, there are times when they are run off their feet.”

One incident was highlighted where a resident was found on the floor in the one of the lounges. The fall was not witnessed by staff and the person said another resident had done it and later said it had been a gang. The incident was not reported to the safeguarding team or the commission in an “isolated omission”.

Inspectors also said people were not always treated with dignity and respect – men had not been shaved, some people had dirty fingernails, some people were wearing dirty clothing and some people had not had their brushed or combed. The report said while some staff were caring, compassionate and kind, this was not consistent across the service.

The registered manager was dismissed from the home in October last year, the report said.

Inspectors visited in December last year and January this year and found: “There was a lack of leadership and direction for staff, with no oversight of key issues for people’s care and support.”

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A spokesperson for the home said: “The report clearly states the improvements made by the owners following the dismissal of the previous manager. The owners are working closely with and supporting the new manager and the staff at Willow Bank to continue with these improvements.”

Greystones, which provides care for up to 25 people, some of whom are living with dementia or have mental health needs, was inspected in December last year.

While it was rated as being good in three areas, its overall rating was judged to be ‘requires improvement’. Inspectors noted concerns about people’s dietary plans.

However, the report said staff were appropriately trained and supervised, that the home was caring and there was a range of activities for people to participate in.

Crissi Arrowsuch, from the home, said: “The home is working closely with Bradford Council and the CQC with regards to the improvements.

“The home is a very good home, we get a lot of referrals. The staff work hard on a day-to-day basis.”