A retirement home slammed for its ‘inadequate’ care has improved but still has further to go, according to government inspectors.
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission found improvements ‘in many areas’ at Woodlands Care Home, Mirfield, since the government watchdog’s last inspection.
But the agency still expressed concerns about safety and management at the home, rating it ‘requires improvement’ in all five categories.
Following a previous inspection in November 2014, the home was found to be unsafe, unhygienic and uncaring. It was rated ‘inadequate’, the lowest rating, in all five categories.
However, on a visit in September, inspectors found the home cleaner and that staff were better trained and more caring towards the home’s 64 residents.
The report said: “At this inspection, we found improvements were evident in many areas since the last inspection.
“Standards of cleanliness and infection control had improved since the last inspection.
“Staff felt supported and received regular supervision. Staff told us that morale had improved since the last inspection.
“Strong teamwork and clear direction for staff was evident. Staff had confidence in the registered manager.
“There was a culture of openness and transparency.”
However, inspectors expressed concern about safety at the Sands Lane home.
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The report, published last month, said: “We found there was a breach of... the Health and Social Care Act 2008... which relates to safe care and treatment...
“Although care plans were in the process of being developed, some people’s care was not always planned and delivered in a way that was personalised to their need.”
It added: “Most staff interactions with people were of a positive nature and were kind and caring. There were occasions, however, where staff were not as respectful of people’s dignity.”
Four Seasons Health Care, which runs Woodlands, said the home had improved significantly since last year’s inspection.
The company said residents had since described the home as ‘like a five star hotel’ and that staff were ‘really nice’.
A spokesperson for Four Seasons said: “The improvements that have been made throughout the home were acknowledged in the CQC inspection report.
“People felt safe in the home; they said staff were kind and caring and responded well to their needs. Families told the inspectors they thought the home was run well. The inspectors said that staff interaction with the people in their care was friendly and caring. “They saw occasions when people hugged staff or spontaneously danced with them.
“The inspectors said that staff knew the people in their care well and people knew the staff well.
“Our own customer feedback for this month shows an overall satisfaction rating of over 90%
“The inspectors said that further improvements are required and we take this seriously. Most of these relate to assessments, care documentation and records. Since the inspection in September we have been carrying out further improvements.
“In our experience, inspectors wait to see that improvements are sustained over time before re-grading a home.”
