A HARLOW care home has been ranked as “Requires Improvement” by inspectors, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Abbot Care Home off Partridge Road in Harlow was inspected on August 29th, 2023.

The home is run by Exelcare Holdings

The report grades the home the following:

The report states the following

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Our visit on the 29 August 2023 found poor infection prevention and control (IP&C) practices relating to the cleanliness of the premises and equipment which needed to improve. The provider took immediate action. Our follow up visit on the 4 September 2023 confirmed action had been taken to prevent the spread of infection and ensure the premises were clean, uncluttered and equipment removed.

Although the provider had taken immediate action to address the issues above, the governance systems were not always being used effectively to identify and drive the required improvements. The IP&C audit had not identified the issues we found during the inspection.

People received their medication on time by qualified nursing staff and were generally managed safely, however we did find the providers medication audit had not identified the issue we found, relating to some liquid medicines being past their date of expiry when opened.

Risk management was not always effective. Risks were identified, however controls in place were not always followed effectively and some people’s information was consistent across their care plans. We have made a recommendation about the management of risk assessments.

The majority of people and their relatives felt there were not enough staff and staff did not have enough time to spend with them. People told us they felt safe. There were appropriate policies and systems in place to protect people from the risk of abuse. Safe recruitment systems were in place to ensure staff were suitable to work with people.

People generally enjoyed the meals provided; however, improvements were required to ensure the dining experience was a positive time for all.

Staff were positive about the new manager at the service. There was a complaints procedure in place and complaints were being responded to.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

https://api.cqc.org.uk/public/v1/reports/06d9ca86-55e8-4112-bf5d-7ac09ded062b?20231019120000

YH has contacted Excelcare Holdings