Wolverhampton care home fails to come out of special measures after injury risks

The Care Quality Commission made a surprise visit to Highcroft Hall Residential Care Home in Wolverhampton after hearing about two incidents that caused serious injuries.

The incidents are part of a number that have taken place at the home, predominantly falls, that have resulted in serious injuries.

• READ the CQC report here

The inspection of Highcroft Hall came less than six months after the home, based on Old Fallings Lane, plunged into special measures after being deemed inadequate by the health watchdog. It remains inadequate and in special measures.

A team of three inspectors found the Old Fallings Lane home was unsafe and not well-led. Staff, who were seen to be caring, ‘did not act’ when residents were at risk of falling or spend enough time with each person.

Some equipment used was not in a good condition, including a ‘visibly worn’ sling and a stand aid which had a missing safety catch.

In their report, inspectors said: “Risks to people who were at risk of falling were not identified or managed to keep people safe and this left people at risk of serious injury.

“There were errors in the recording of medications that meant we could not evidence that medications had always been given to keep people well.”

The report added people ‘were not always treated with dignity’ and ‘there was a lack of activities available’.

High staff sickness meant agency workers were brought in but residents felt staffing levels were still not high enough, particularly at night.

One resident told inspectors they were not always able to have a shower when they wished due to a lack of staff, while another was forced to wait when needing the toilet at night.

There were also ‘extended waits for support’ for people who pressed the emergency call bell.

Inspectors are set to make another visit later this year to the care home, which supports around 40 people aged 65 and over.

Enforcement action, which could involve the home being shut down, can be taken by the CQC if too few improvements are made.

Mark McCarthy, from provider Sanctuary Care, said: “While we are extremely disappointed by this report, we are confident we have made significant improvements since the inspection took place back in January. We are determined to continue the progress being made and remain committed to providing high quality care, delivered with compassion and kindness, for all of our residents.”