Shropshire care home judged good but told it must improve

Consensus Support Services Limited, based at Dorrington, was found to require improvement in two of five areas following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Although it was considered 'good' in providing a 'safe', 'caring', and 'responsive' service, it was also judged to need improvements in the way it is led, and how effective it is.

Officials at the company said they were "disappointed" with the assessment and said the rating did not reflect the hard work of its staff. The report stated: "People's ability to make decisions about their deprivation of liberty had not been properly assessed. People enjoyed their food and received support to eat and drink. People were supported to see health care professionals when they needed to in order to maintain good health."

Inspectors were also critical that checks were not being monitored effectively, although they accepted the issue was being addressed.

The report stated: "Quality checks used in the home were not effectively monitored and were not driving improvements.

"A number of audits were in place to monitor the delivery of care and to promote the safety of people living at the home however, these had not been consistently completed.

"For example we found that quality checks in relation to infection prevention and medicines were incomplete and that staff had not followed guidance provided.

"When we spoke with the registered manager they acknowledged current systems were not working effectively. They had developed a work programme and were in the process of reviewing staffing structures and quality checks to improve the service."

The home, which looks after 12 people, was commended in a number of areas.

The report said: "People were treated with respect and kindness. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and were aware of their preferences, their likes and dislikes." Inspectors also said people were actively supported in pursuing their hobbies and interests.

Serena Lawley-Rayner, spokeswoman for Consensus, said: "The health and wellbeing of the individuals we support is our number one priority, and we are disappointed the CQC has given the service an overall rating of 'requires improvement'.

"This inspection took place in July, and we immediately put in place an action plan."

High Lea House, in Oswestry, was also inspected by the CQC, and was found to be 'good' in all five areas. The home looks after 21 older people and the report found: "People felt safe because they knew there was always enough staff around to help them."