Abuse and assault 'commonplace' at Birmingham care home

Four residents have been moved from the care home

Vulnerable people have been moved to alternative accommodation after a watchdog found abuse and assaults "had become commonplace" at a care home.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found records of physical, verbal and emotional abuse at Summerfield House which had not been dealt with.

It has placed NH Care Ltd, which runs the Birmingham home, in special measures, rating it inadequate.

The company has been approached for a comment.

The CQC said it had taken action against the service, for people living with a learning disability and autism, following the initial inspection in August, when four residents were living at the centre.

Its report said inspectors restricted any new admissions to the residential care home due to the serious level of concerns found.

Records showed staff making threats to cancel people's activities and call the police when people were anxious and on one occasion, furniture was used to prevent a person from moving, the report said.

"Physical assault between people had become commonplace, made worse by a widespread lack of recognition from staff about the inappropriate and abusive practices going on," Debbie Ivanova, CQC deputy chief inspector, said.

"Care records and the language used by staff to speak to people were derogatory with no thought given to people's dignity and wellbeing."

Following the inspection, Birmingham City Council organised an external agency to provide managerial support in the home, but when inspectors returned they found there had been four further allegations of physical abuse, with no evidence to suggest staff had responded appropriately.

People living in the home have all been supported to move to alternative accommodation to ensure their safety and wellbeing, said the CQC.

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"The vulnerable people at Summerfield House should have been supported to lead confident, inclusive and empowered lives but instead were subject to poor care, harm and abuse.

"Staff didn't support people, meet their needs or ask what their personal needs and desires were," added Ms Ivanova.