Care home is told it must improve

The home - Clemsford House in Guildford Road - is run by Sussex Health Care which operates a string of care homes in Sussex, nine of which are currently being investigated by police following the deaths of 12 people.

In a report out this week, Clemsford House has been rated as ‘requiring improvement’ following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Clemsford is the second care home run by Sussex Health Care to have been rated ‘requiring improvement’ by the health watchdog group this year. A similar rating was given to Kingsmead Care Centre in Roffey.

The commission carried out its inspection at Clemsford following the death of a resident and a serious injury suffered by another.

The care home had previously been rated ‘good.’ In their latest report, inspectors said that “falls prevention procedures were not followed in full.” They added: “Further development of personalised dementia care based on current best practice guidance would enhance people’s lives.”

Inspectors said that, although people were treated with kindness, respect and compassion, “staff practice was not consistent” and people did not always receive care that was responsive to their individual needs.

They added that managers had “not ensured that quality performance, risks and regulatory requirements were understood and managed.”

A spokesperson for Clemsfold House said: “We are disappointed by this report from the CQC, and do not believe the rating accurately reflects the quality of care provided to our residents – many of whom have been supported by us for a good many years.

“There is evidence throughout the report to support a ‘Good’ rating. The report openly acknowledges that people are happy with the support they receive at Clemsfold House. It notes that staff are kind and respectful, that they know residents well and how to meet their needs. Relatives said that they were made welcome whenever they visited, and that any complaints are managed effectively.

“The report highlights that residents are treated with dignity and respect, and they are supported to express their views and be involved in decision-making about their care. It further confirms that staff understand their roles and duties, and they speak positively about the home and the support they receive from the management team.

“The health and wellbeing of the people we support is always our first priority and this is evidenced by our track record of good reports from the care regulator over recent years and consistently positive feedback from residents and relatives. Given this context and the many positives highlighted in the report we remain disappointed by the CQC’s overall rating.

“Nevertheless, we will continue to work closely with the CQC to ensure that the care we provide continues to be of the highest standard.”