A CARE home said it had been “severely tested” by the Covid-19 pandemic in response to an inspection which saw it rated as ‘inadequate’ and plunged into special measures. 

The Beeches, on Beacon Road, Wibsey, which provides personal and nursing care to older people and people living with dementia, was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on February 17 and March 16 of this year. 

In a report published after the visit, the CQC said an inspection was undertaken because of concerns received relating to infection control and the management of risk. 

A focused inspection was undertaken to review the key questions of ‘Safe’ and Well-led’ only. Both received the lowest rating - a drop from when they were deemed to be ‘good’ in 2017.

The report from the latest inspection said: “People were not safe. On the first day of inspection we had serious concerns regarding the inadequate systems and processes which failed to protect people from the risks of infection.”

Inspectors said PPE was not used effectively, hand sanitiser was not freely available and social distancing was not promoted. However, the report said that on the second day of inspection this had “significantly improved throughout the home”. 

Concerns were raised regarding the management of medicines and that risks to people’s health and safety were “not always identified, assessed and mitigated”.

The report said: “Significant shortfalls were identified at the inspection. The provider was in breach of two regulations across two key questions; the service has been rated inadequate overall and placed in special measures. Systems and processes for monitoring quality and safety were not effective. The management team carried out a range of audits, but there was a lack of evidence of action taken in relation to issues identified in order to promote safety and drive improvement.”

It added: “The local authority and Clinical Commissioning Group  told us there had been some difficulties in effective working with the service. This included working collaboratively with the local authority Covid team.”

The home remains ‘good’ for the ‘Effective’ ‘Caring’ and ‘Responsive’  key questions.

In response to the findings of the report, May Prentice, Head of Operations at Silverline Care, which runs the home, said safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents is “top priority”.

She added: “The past year has been particularly difficult for those who work in the care industry, our residents, and their loved ones. Sadly, The Beeches care home has been severely tested by the pandemic and whilst disappointed, we accept the findings of the latest CQC report.

“Our senior managers are supporting our team at The Beeches to ensure the necessary improvements are made and sustained. 

“Silverline Care would like to reassure our residents and families that we continue to deliver quality services.

“The Beeches is ‘Covid free’ and we will continue to adapt the way we work to respond to coronavirus, to welcome new residents, provide safe visits and protect those who already live and work with us.”