Two Shropshire care homes 'back up to required standard'

Action has been taken to raise standards at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Minsterley and Heatherdene Residential Care Home in Oswestry since they were inspected earlier this year.

Both homes were found to "require improvement" by Care Quality Commission inspectors in reports published recently.

A third care home inspected – Four Rivers Nursing Home in Ludlow – was found to be good in all areas.

Hillcrest Manor was inspected in September and was urged by inspectors to make sure residents were protected from harm or abuse.

It was also found staff at the home, which provides for up to 47 adults, did not have a full understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and that people's dignity was not protected.

Inspectors said staff did not always explain to residents how they were going to treat them and also found people's ability to make decisions about their own care and treatment had not been properly assessed.

But residents did feel staff supported them in a safe manner and they received appropriate support in taking their medicines.

Mandy Fraser, manager at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home, said: "The home, the staff, the team have worked very hard to address the issues raised in the report.

"As far as I'm concerned the home is fully compliant."

Heatherdene, which caters for up to 20 people, was inspected in June. Inspectors found previous concerns about poor hygiene affecting people's health had been addressed.

But they found further problems with regard to breach of regulations and the recruitment procedure was not up to standard, which meant staff may not be suitable to work in the home on Upper Brook Street.

The report said: "The management of medicines was not robust to ensure people received their medicines properly. The leadership within the home was not effective. People who used the service had no say in how it was run. People had limited access to social activities. People said they were unaware of the provider's complaint procedure and were not involved in discussions about their care and treatment."

Rosemarie Nonan, deputy manager of Heatherdene, said: "We have done everything that was required from us in the report and are waiting from them to come and reinspect. Everything that was asked for we have done."

Four Rivers Nursing Home, which looks after 40 people, was found to be well led, offered a caring service and was safe and effective.

Inspectors also found care plans at the home in Bromfield Road were regularly reviewed and they praised the home for allowing its residents and their relatives to express their views.

The inspectors found that medicines were safely stored and staff were supportive and well trained.

Care plans at the home in Bromfield Road were regularly reviewed.