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'I want to get out': Care home put in special measures after being rated 'inadequate'

Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission. <i>(Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)</i>
Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission. (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

A HAMPSHIRE care home has been placed in special measures after health industry watchdogs discovered a catalogue of failings.

Forest Edge has seen its overall rating reduced from "requires improvement" to "inadequate" following its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates the sector.

A damning report published by the Commission says Forest Edge was not found to be safe, effective or well-led.

The privately-run home at Southampton Road, Cadnam, has been told to make major changes or face enforcement action, which could include fines or even closure.

Daily Echo: Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission
Daily Echo: Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission

Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

During their visit to the 32-bed home inspectors heard one resident shouting "I want to get out" and "I want to go home".

Their report says: "We found staff did not interact with people and lacked an understanding of working with people living with dementia.

"We were not assured there was good infection prevention and control practice in the service. Some areas would benefit from deep cleaning and other areas were in poor states of repair.

"People living with dementia were left unsupervised for over half an hour at a time, increasing risks of falls and potential harm from peers.

"Staff we spoke with had no understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and records in people's care files indicated the management team also lacked knowledge of the Act.

"The overall rating for this service is 'inadequate' and the service is therefore in special measures.

"This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider's registration, we will re-inspect within six months to check for significant improvements."

READ MORE: Forest Edge care home 'didn't test staff or residents for Covid'

Daily Echo: Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated inadequate by he Care Quality Commission
Daily Echo: Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated inadequate by he Care Quality Commission

Forest Edge care home at Cadnam has been rated inadequate by he Care Quality Commission (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

CQC staff visited Forest Edge on September 6, when the home had 27 residents.

The report says the inspectors found the provider was failing to deploy an adequate number of skilled, competent and experienced staff to meet people's needs at all times.

It adds: "We observed the staff having a break at the same time, leaving no supervision in the communal areas.

"Staff missed numerous opportunities to engage with people, choosing to stand with other staff members away from them or to give them food and drink without engaging in conversation."

READ MORE: CQC says Priory Hospital at Marchwood Park, Marchwood, 'requires improvement'

In a statement Forest Edge Care Home Ltd said the CQC report contained inaccuracies.

It added: "Following the report we have been in contact with other professionals as well as families and friends of residents at Forest Edge who do not share these views.

"We are happy to answer any and all questions as well as provide evidence supporting what we do here wherever it is necessary to do so.

"We understand that unfortunately this report and rating will not be changed until the next inspection now, and we are taking the necessary steps to address the issues highlighted throughout this report. We look forward to our next inspection."

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