A SOLHULL care home is no longer in special measures after an inspection found ‘improvements have been made in all areas.’
Chelmunds Court nursing home, in Pomeroy Way, Chelmsley Wood, was rated as ‘inadequate’ last July after serious safety concerns were uncovered by national watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
As we reported, previous inspections found frail elderly residents were at ongoing risk of harm and abuse, prompting the CQC to place the service in ‘special measures’ and enforce improvement plans.
The home – operated by Runwood Homes – had been under review since August.
If significant improvements to the service were not achieved, the CQC could have cancelled the provider’s registration.
Now the purpose-built 73-bed residential complex for the elderly – mainly those with dementia – has received an improved rating.
The CQC now rates it as ‘requiring improvement’ and has taken it out of special measures.
It is believed the home has now taken on new residents.
The latest report from the inspection on January 16 states: “The management team had worked hard in the previous six months to make changes.
“People and relatives were happy with the service provided and the way the home was managed.
“Staff received on-going support and training to be effective in their roles.
“Staff morale and job satisfaction was now good.
“Staff respected people’s rights to privacy, maintained their dignity and independence.
“Staff were described as caring and kind; they knew people well and were responsive to their needs.
“Care plans supported staff to provide personalised care.
“Work was on-going to improve care records and compile new care plans.
“Relatives were encouraged to be involved in their family member’s care and there were no restrictions on visiting times.
“People felt safe and staff understood their responsibilities to protect people.
“Some risk management plans required improvement to ensure people were kept as safe as possible.
“Accidents and incidents were monitored, and action had been taken to prevent reoccurrence.
“People received their medicines when they needed them, and medicines were in stock.
“Further improvement was needed to ensure medicine protocols were detailed and medicines were always stored safely.”
Solihull council commissions some beds for vulnerable elderly people placed at the home, and has been involved with the improvement plans.
In July, the Observer heard concerns from upset relatives about care for their loved ones, staffing levels and training.
It was placed in special measures after it was found patients to be at risk due to mishandling of medicine, abuse, poor standard of care and breaches of safety regulations.
Chief operating officer for Runwood Homes Senior Living Gavin O’Hare-Connolly said: “The new CQC rating gives absolute credence to the hard work the home manager, deputy nurse manager and their entire team have put in to see the service improve to this standard.
“This forms only part of the onward improvement plan. Two key inspection areas have been rated ‘good’ by CQC with an onward plan to move the home to ‘good’ across the board.
“Residents who share our home as well as relatives and professional visitors continue to convey a sense of satisfaction and enjoy living at Chelmunds Court.
“We will continue to monitor the service very closely to ensure these improvements are sustained and enhanced.
“Our very positive relationship with colleagues at Solihull Council has enabled this service to strive in the provision of person centred care as well as offering employment opportunities to those who live in Chelmsley Wood.”
