Alnwick care home rated as 'inadequate'

A Northumberland care home has been rated inadequate by the national watchdog for health and care services.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found Ravensmount Care Home in Alnwick was failed to provide "safe, effective, responsive or well led" care.

The commission said that as a result of its findings it was considering the need for further enforcement action.

Ravensmount said problems have already been addressed and they are considering legal action against the CQC.

Ravensmount, which is run by Moorlands Holdings (N.E.) Ltd, provides accommodation for people requiring nursing or personal care.

It was inspected in January, to follow up on improvements required as a result of the previous inspection in August 2014.

The latest visit found breaches of regulations relating to cleanliness and infection control, maintenance of the premises and quality monitoring.

Debbie Westhead, from the CQC, said: "The care we found fell a long way short of what we expect services to provide.

"We found the provider has not made sufficient progress since the last inspection and the safety of the premises remains a significant concern.

"We have told the provider that they must take action to resolve the issues we have identified as a priority and we are monitoring the situation closely in liaison with the local authority to ensure people are safe from any immediate risk."

David Ratliff from Ravensmount said the CQC's concerns were over administration rather than care of residents, adding: "Small providers such as Ravensmount often provide excellent care, however CQC inspections seem to prioritise paperwork and filing above the well-being of residents.

"We are seeking legal advice currently in respect of our concerns with the CQC report."