We respond to Trusted Care Interactive Care Quality Map

A new report published by Trusted care indicates that the Isle of Wight is ranked the worst in the country for care quality when it comes to residential and nursing care homes.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight Manager, Joanna Smith, responds to the findings:

Due to an increasing level of negative feedback around residential care and nursing homes received from the public since January this year, we have been raising serious concerns about the quality of care in a growing number of residential and nursing care homes on the Island.

The report by Trusted care mirrors our reflection that many vulnerable people on the Island are not receiving the care they need and deserve.

We understand that care homes face enormous pressure with the reduction in funding available for adult social care, difficulties in recruiting staff and increasing complexity of needs of the people they care for, however as detailed in the report, the Isle of Wight has significantly poorer CQC inspection results than any other authority in the country. Our care sector has reached a crossroads and cannot be allowed to continue with business as usual.

We are aware that there are many homes on the Island that provide  an excellent quality of care to the vulnerable adults they support, however there are also a growing number of homes who are providing unsafe and inadequate care. In this day and age, older people, who are among the most vulnerable in our society, should not be placed at risk, particularly in services commissioned by the Local authority.

This is not acceptable.

Although some of the most recent inspection reports have been negative, the positive aspects of care that exist have been highlighted within the reports. Some of the reports make comments such as “ staff had received the necessary training, “staff had a caring and respectful manner” or “staff could not do more”. However, when coupled with the serious concerns that have also been highlighted, it is clear that the new inspection regime is achieving its goal of uncovering unsafe practices.

Despite the fact that many homes have been praised for the care demonstrated by staff, good intentions and a caring approach does not ensure safe and effective care. The most recent Care Quality Commission reports have highlighted a series of shortcomings from several different providers and these cannot be allowed to continue.

The Care Quality Commission Fundamental Standards were introduced to drive up standards of care. They include the right for people to be treated with dignity and respect at all times while they are receiving care and treatment. And the right to have care or treatment that is tailored to them and meets their needs and preferences.  These are basic rights that anyone should expect whilst needing care and support.

The care and support of older people will affect us all either personally or through members of our family so it is vital that we get it right, first time, for everyone. This is nothing less than people deserve.

After consultation with the public, In October this year, our Board approved `Quality of care within residential care and nursing homes` as a priority for 2015/16 and work has already begun to look at this in some detail.

We would urge that residents, family members, staff or members of the public get in touch to tell us about their experiences of residential care homes.  We can then use this to support providers and commissioners to improve the services they provide.