Care home 'requires improvement', says watchdog

A care home in Lincolnshire "requires improvement" following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

The CQC found that residents at Foxby Hill Care Home in Gainsborough were not always protected from risks associated with choking, burns and skin damage.

Their report said residents were served reheated ultra-processed foods, with no access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and they were sometimes left waiting for meals.

A spokesperson for the home said: "We're sorry that the care at Foxby Hill fell short of the standard our residents and their families should expect. We did not challenge the report because we recognise the issues CQC raised and we're entirely focused on putting them right."

Foxby Hill cares for older people and those living with dementia, mental health or physical disabilities. At the time of the inspection, which took place on 28 and 29 July, 37 people were living there.

The report said the provider was in breach of regulations relating to consent, safe care and treatment, safeguarding and nutrition.

It said people were put at risk of choking when they were having meals in bed, with beds set only to a slight incline.

Inspectors also found a resident was not fully protected from the risk of burns as care plans did not address the dangers of smoking after flammable skin creams had been applied.

The regulator said the service lacked consistent leadership. Although staff described a "positive workplace culture", some said they did not always feel like they could speak up.

The home was not always forthcoming with identifying and escalating concerns about people's deteriorating health and was sometimes resistant to working with other services.

The report also said that "people were not always kept safe through effective risk management and safeguarding procedures", despite most people suggesting they felt safe and received the care they needed.

However, inspectors found staff generally treated residents with care and compassion, and most relatives said they felt safe and satisfied with the leadership.

Residents were supported to take part in activities, with games, visiting entertainers and trips into the local community, the report said.

The CQC said it had asked the care home for an action plan in response to the issues found during the inspection.

A spokesperson for the care home said it had made a number of changes since the CQC's visit.

"All the issues identified during the inspection have now been addressed," they said.

"An experienced home manager is now leading the home and we've brought in an independent governance and quality specialist to strengthen our oversight.

"We've also put a clear improvement plan in place, which we're working through with the team.

"We're pleased that residents and relatives spoke positively about our staff and activities. We're grateful to our staff for their hard work and to residents and families for their continued support.

"We're continuing to work closely with CQC, the local authority and health partners to ensure these improvements are sustained."

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