Troubled care home still found to be failing

The care home looks after those with dementia and mental health problems (file photo)

A struggling care home has continued to breach regulations despite being in special measures, according to a new report.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) raised several safeguarding concerns after an unannounced inspection of Newcastle's Bowland Lodge.

Staff attitudes and poor medicine management are highlighted in the eighth consecutive inspection to find breaches at the home.

A spokeswoman for the home said a new team had been appointed and significant improvements made since the inspection was carried out in January.

'Enforcement options'

Following critical reports dating back several years, Bowland Lodge was declared inadequate and placed in special measures in 2023.

The home's management then pledged to make improvements after inspectors found serious risks to residents, one of whom had absconded six times.

However, concerns over the way the home is operated continued.

An inspection in January resulted in the CQC making several safeguarding referrals to Newcastle City Council.

Inspectors found no system in place to manage medicines and discovered "numerous medicines errors" and shortfalls in medication that had not been reported or recorded properly.

The home's safeguarding log omitted incidents and there was a failure to "adequately analyse risks", the CQC report said.

Inspectors said there was a "longstanding track record" of the provider and registered manager failing to implement "robust governance procedures" to improve the quality and safety of the service.

The CQC is now monitoring the home and says it "will not hesitate" to use enforcement powers to keep people safe if it is not assured rapid and widespread improvements have been made.

'Care improved'

At the time of the inspection, the home's manager had been in post for two weeks.

The previous registered manager had left and applied to the CQC to be de-registered, the report said.

Since then, the quality of care has improved and significant changes have been made at Bowland Lodge, according to a spokeswoman for the home.

She said the new management team and staff were committed to providing quality care and are working closely with the CQC and Newcastle City Council.

"The report is historical and not a true reflection of the current position," she added.

The council said it is continuing to monitor the home and is taking the findings of the report "extremely seriously".