A Serious Case Review was published yesterday into the abuse found at Orchid View.
According to the review, the financial problems of Southern Cross contributed to the poor care service users received at the service and the “inadequate focus on care” by its managers “put vulnerable people at risk.”
The inquiry makes 34 recommendations about how such abuse, neglect and inadequate care could be avoided in the future. One of the recommendations is that private care homes should be required to prove to CQC that they can recruit and sustain a skilled workforce.
During the care home’s short life, there were six different managers, all but one of whom did not have the management credentials required by the CQC.
The report states that, “there was inadequate development of a workforce strategy or consideration given to recruitment, support and development of staff competent to deliver the care required.”
The report explained that concerns about safeguarding issues should be raised outside the home if they are not dealt with promptly. However, this could be damaging to the provider if allegations are unsubstantiated and issues arise as to how much information is raised outside the home, for example to service users’ families.
The Orchid View Serious Case Review can be accessed at the following link:
