Care home rated inadequate put up for sale

Orchard House, as pictured in 2023, was rated inadequate by the CQC

A building that was used as a care home that was put into special measures after inspectors found major failings is up for sale for £800,000.

Orchard House in Harwell, Oxfordshire, was given a rating of inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2023 after being told it was outstanding four years before.

It was a neurological rehabilitation centre helping up to 10 people dealing with brain and spinal injuries, strokes, minimally conscious states and other conditions two years ago.

The Active Care Group, which ran Orchard House and said it was "very disappointed" with the rating in 2023, was approached to comment.

It is unclear when the home was closed but the CQC said after its last inspection that Orchard House experienced a "steep decline" in standards.

Some residents could not access pain relief medication at certain times because staff were not trained and care plans were "unfinished" and "contained incorrect information".

At the time, the Active Care Group said it took "immediate action to ensure staff had the guidance and information to support the residents at the facility".

In an online advert, the property is said to contain 11 bedrooms, a meeting room, two kitchens and a therapy room.

Located in High Street, it also has an office, laundry facilities, a basement and utility provisions. There are also three parking spaces and a landscaped courtyard, JEM Property said.