Home care service staff 'unable to spot abuse signs'

Santos Care Limited in Wolverhampton has been placed into special measures after it was rated as "inadequate" by the CQC

Staff at a care serivce that looks after people in their homes could "not identify potential signs of abuse" despite safeguarding training, inspectors said,

Santos Care Limited, in Wolverhampton, has been placed into special measures, following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The service had previously been rated as "requires improvement" but it has been downgraded to "inadequate" following the recent inspection.

Santos Care Limited has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

In a report, the CQC said the service's overall rating, as well as its ratings for being safe, effective and well-led, had dropped from "requires improvement" to "inadequate" following an inspection in October.

The service, which was caring for 15 people at the time, was again rated as "requires improvement" for responsiveness.

"When we visited Santos Care Limited, it was disappointing to see such a significant shortfall of strong leadership," said Andy Brand, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands.

Inspectors found the service had "failed to take action" to address breaches and suggested improvements highlighted in the previous inspection last March.

Abuse records incomplete

Care plans and risk assessments "lacked detail staff needed to deliver safe care," they said, adding it was not clear who was responsible for the management or administration of medication.

"They also didn't complete records used to identify potential abuse or safety concerns," added Mr Brand.

"This meant that people could be at risk of abuse and opportunities to raise concerns were missed."

However, the CQC said staff had also informed relatives where there were health concerns and and people felt staff were "kind and caring" and had treated them with respect.

Mr Brand added the CQC expected to see "rapid" and "widespread" improvements and would continue to monitor the service closely.

"We will return to check on their progress and won't hesitate to take further action if people are not receiving the care they have a right to expect."

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