Care home in special measures remains 'inadequate'

Care Quality Commission inspectors placed Herondale, a residential care home in Basildon, into special measures last year

A care home in special measures criticised by inspectors for having bathrooms "in a state of disrepair" has not managed to improve in some key areas.

Herondale in Basildon, Essex, which cares for up to eight adults with mental health issues, learning disabilities and those who misuse substances, was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June.

Choice Support, which runs the home, had been served with three warning notices in November 2024 for failing to meet multiple regulations. Some of these were still being breached during the most recent visit.

The company said it had already made "significant improvements to address the areas identified" since the inspection.

During their visit, CQC inspectors found the property's bathrooms "continued to be in a state of disrepair" and fire safety risks were not being well managed.

CQC inspectors found regulations about the premises and equipment were being breached, as well as those for good governance.

They also found a breach of regulations around staffing but said some improvements had been made to infection prevention, to areas involving people, and to safe care and treatment.

"Most people we spoke with expressed they were happy with their care and support and with the staff supporting them," the inspectors' report said.

It rated Herondale overall as inadequate, with every area categorised as requiring improvement or as inadequate.

A spokesperson for Choice Support said it took the CQC's recommendations "extremely seriously".

"We have recently strengthened our staff training and support, are confident that these changes are making a positive difference and will be reflected in future inspections," they said.

"Our priority remains the wellbeing and safety of the people we support."