Care home left patient lying in urine-soaked sheets

A care home has been put in special measures because of serious safeguarding concerns including one patient being left lying in urine-soaked sheets.

Scholars Mews Care Home, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, was criticised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for a “significant deterioration” in the standard of care.

It follows an unannounced inspection in October after concerns were raised over safeguarding and staffing levels.

Avery Healthcare, which runs the home, said it had taken immediate action to address the findings.

The inspection of Scholars Mews, which provides residential and dementia care services, took place when 43 residents were living at the site.

The subsequent report said patients were not always treated with respect and compassion.

It highlighted a culture where staff “encouraged people to stay in their bedrooms” and said the safeguarding measures in place were ineffective.

Amanda Lyndon, the CQC's deputy director of operations in the Midlands, said a staff member had carried out personal care with someone who was lying in urine-soaked sheets.

She said one patient’s care plan instructed staff to be “firm” with them by showing them their soiled clothing if they had been incontinent.

"We found very serious concerns regarding safeguarding procedures, safe staffing and the management of risks to people's health and well-being,” Ms Lyndon said.

"Staff didn't have the right skills to support people safely and we heard people being spoken to disrespectfully.

"People's needs were not being met, which the provider must address urgently."

She added some staff had tried their best to provide compassionate care and highlight their concerns but were let down by poor leadership.

The CQC said Scholars Mews had taken some immediate actions in response to its findings.

These included making a safeguarding referral to the police and local authority as well as giving staff "safeguarding-themed supervision" to ensure they understood expectations.

A spokesperson for Avery Healthcare said the firm was dedicated to delivering high quality care and services to its residents.

They added: "We take the findings in the report extremely seriously and have taken immediate actions to address the concerns raised.

"We have a new leadership team in place at Scholars Mews, supporting our staff team, and are working with CQC to ensure we consistently meet the regulatory requirements.”