top of page

Sixty two per cent failing: was this the worst day for England's care industry?

Sarah Whitebloom

What a difference a day made. In just one day, yesterday, more than 62 per cent of care homes in England failed their official inspections with one in five actually receiving the worst possible mark from CQC inspectors - Inadequate.

The fourteenth of September must surely have been some sort of ghastly record for the CQC with 45 reports published – 28 of which raised concerns, including eight with very serious failings. These were:

Scarletts: England's worst home?
  • Prestbury, Macclesfield

  • Vicarage Court, Burntwood

  • Two Gates House, Halesowen

  • The Dell, Manchester

  • Copper Beeches, Newark

  • The Limes Norwich

  • Angel Court, Walsall

  • Greengates, Westbury

  • Scarletts, Colchester

None of these covered themselves with glory. Prestbury managed an unimpressive four bad marks. But the worst on what was a black day was Scarletts, an Essex County Council home, which was deemed to be failing in all five categories – Safety, Leadership, Effectiveness, Caring and Responsiveness.

According to the CQC, Scarletts is home to 40 older people including some with dementia and other complex needs. But residents were at risk, the culture was not good, there were not enough staff, cleanliness was poor and many other concerns were raised. Residents’ relatives complained that they were often dressed in other people’s clothes and one said her relative had not had her hair washed for four weeks.

Not a day to remember for the care industry.

7 views0 comments

© 2017 by OlderLivingMatters   All text and original photos subject to copyright                  

OlderLivingMatters is a journalistic website offering information, guidance and advice based on experience of life today for older people. It is designed to be a friendly hand in difficulties and to highlight the problems of older people and their families. As with any friend, it is not perfect and will not have all the answers all of the time. Everyone’s situation is different and this needs to be taken this into account if you take action. Please be aware that you use the information and advice on this website at your own risk and it is not responsible or liable if things go wrong.  

bottom of page