Health Watchdog Finds Deficiencies In Public Care Home Standards In Derby

A newly-established healthcare watchdog has uncovered a worrying number of deficiencies in the levels of care provided by public-run homes in Derby.

Research by Healthwatch Derby has found that almost half of the care facilities funded by Derby City Council are failing to meet national standards, the Derby Telegraph reports.

A total of 76 care homes were assessed by the organisation, with 34 found to be lagging on at least one of five "essential" standards.

The report also found that 18 sites were not following guidelines that stipulate all patients must be protected from harm.

Healthwatch Derby chief executive James Moore told the news provider: "Our concern is that, with so many care homes failing at least one of the minimum standards, there is an increase in risk for those in care."

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) - which ensures minimum care standards are being met by homes across the country - is changing the way it assesses homes in the coming years.

Every care home and adult social care service in England will receive a rating by March 2016, ranging from 'outstanding' and 'good' to 'requires improvement' and 'inadequate'.

The organisation hopes this will make it easier for people to choose a care home for their relatives in the future.

Additionally, the regulator has pledged to take tougher action against services that are not up to scratch, especially those that do not have a registered manager at the helm.

Mr Moore confirmed that a number of the substandard council-led care homes in Derby are being reviewed by the CQC.

"When you consider the CQC inspections are based on the minimum standards which a provider needs to achieve to operate, then it is only right to expect the minimum standard should be achieved to keep those we care about safe," he was quoted as saying.

Mark Tittley, city council cabinet member for adults and health, told the news provider the local authority will continue to work with its partners to ensure standards are being met.

Expert Opinion

Yet again, these are shocking and unacceptable reports of poor care within nursing homes. <br/> <br/>“We are regularly contacted by devastated family members who have witnessed a loved one’s poor care within care homes across the UK. <br/> <br/>“The elderly and vulnerable who rely on care home services deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and there is no excuse for this not being met. We hope bosses at these care homes now address the complaints as quickly as possible to ensure its residents receive the best standards of care possible.” <br/> Lisa Jordan - Partner