Care homes close amid 'neglect' concerns from CQC

Rainscombe House in Smallfield was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission

Three Surrey care homes have closed following an inspection of one which raised concerns about residents being "at risk of abuse due to institutional neglect".

Rainscombe House, a home in Smallfield for up to three people with learning disabilities or autism, was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in a report published on Monday.

Two other homes, Nutbush Cottage and Rainscombe Bungalow, also run by the same company, were previously given the same rating by the CQC.

Mitchell's Care Homes Limited said the homes had closed "after much reflection" and residents had been found alternative placements.

Inspectors said of Rainscombe House: "We identified institutional neglect, poor financial records regarding individual’s money, a closed culture, and a disregard to people’s health conditions."

They raised concerns about "a disused radiator against the wall with a large shard of glass leaning up against it" in the garden, and also the risk of harm to people when eating and drinking.

One person who needed their food cut into small pieces was seen eating a whole apple, without staff supervision.

"They ate everything, including the core and pips," the report said.

'Little had changed'

"At previous assessments, staff were not always treating people with respect and dignity, at this assessment, little had changed," the report added.

A Mitchell's spokesperson said "concerted action" had been taken and the company believed "sustained improvements" were being made.

However, they added: "After much reflection and consideration of our overall business model, the company decided that it will no longer operate residential services at Rainscombe House, Rainscombe Bungalow, and Nutbush Cottage.

The company said it had worked with local authorities to rehouse residents, and that the closures would allow it focus on providing supported services in the community.