AN inspection report from England’s health and social care regulator has found a Colchester care home fell short of providing the expected standards of care for its residents.

An unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) at Colonia Court Care Home in April found the service, which looks after 123 people across four different locations, required improvement.

Colonia Court Care Home is part of Bupa Care Homes, which runs 120 care homes across the country.

Residents at Paxman House, Mumford House, Blomfield House, and Amber Lodge receive specialist care for a variety of conditions including dementia and Huntington's Chorea.

But inspectors found risks had been missed by senior members of staff in the care home after reviewing 11 people’s care records.

It was the first time in four years that Colonia Court Care Home had received an inspection from the CQC, with the service previously having received an overall rating of good in an inspection which took place in late 2017.

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Findings from the most recent inspection, however, revealed that one patient, who was known to be at risk of falling, was using radiators to hold on to whilst making their way around the residence.

Inaccurate recording of incidents, as well as a lack of overall leadership, were also issues identified by inspectors.

The manager’s monthly review, for example, failed to highlight concerns in risk assessments and, in one case, a resident in one of the care homes had not had an incident record completed in five weeks.

Inspectors did, however, highlight other more positive aspects in their report.

For example, one relative told a CQC inspector that they found the manager of Colonia Court Care Home as approachable and would act on any issues.

“I can’t praise [the carers] enough,” one added.

As a result of the inspection outcome, the CQC has requested an action plan from Colonia Court Care Home, and will continue to monitor information received about the service.

When contacted by the Gazette, Colonia Court Care Home responded saying it had "a detailed action plan in place" to improve upon the CQC rating.

 

"Extensive staff training" part of care home's rebuild

 

The managing director of the Colonia Court Court home, Duncan Smith, has said a plan of action is in place as the home looks to improve upon its showing at a recent CQC inspection.

He said “We are committed to providing quality care so that our residents feel safe, well cared for and enjoy their time at Colonia Court.

“We have a detailed action plan in place following the CQC’s inspection including extensive staff training on keeping care records, and a large-scale refurbishment of our residents’ living spaces.

“We were pleased that the CQC recognised our positive culture and open management style,” he added.

“This reflects the positive feedback from relatives on our welcoming environment and good communication.

“We are committed to continuously improving to make life enjoyable and safe for residents in the home.”