Halifax care centre rated 'inadequate'.

A West Yorkshire care centre has been placed in special measures by health and care watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and told it must make improvements to protect the safety and welfare of people it cares for.

CQC inspectors visiting Pellon Care Centre, Halifax, in 2017 found the service inadequate for safety, responsiveness, being well led, effectiveness and caring. Overall, it was rated ‘Inadequate’.

Pellon Care Centre comprises three units with a total of 100 places. Pellon Manor can accommodate 35 people and provides residential care for those living with dementia; Birkshall Mews has 30 places and also provides nursing care for people living with dementia. Meanwhile, Brackenbed View has 35 places and provides nursing and intermediate care. At the time of the inspection 77 people were using the service.

At a previous inspection in November 2016, inspectors identified five breaches of regulations and issued warning notices for person-centred care, dignity and respect, staffing, safe care and treatment and good governance.

That inspection team also found variations in the quality of care within the home with an overall higher quality at Brackenbed View and Pellon Manor units. Staffing levels were not appropriate for care needs and to maintain safety of people at Birkshall Mews and Pellon Manor.

CQC deputy chief inspector of adult social care in the North, Debbie Westhead, said: “This service was last inspected in November 2016 when we reported various breaches and issued warning notices. I expected the service to use our inspection reports and warning notices to help address their problems as a matter of urgency. It’s disappointing they have not."

Debbie Westhead added that inspectors found that staff had not received the necessary training and medicines management systems were not always safe. Additionally, not all staff were clear about what constituted abuse and individual risks to people were not clearly assessed. There was also out-of-date and inaccurate information in care records.

She added: “We found care was not planned with a person-centred approach, nor did people have access to appropriate and meaningful activities. Inspectors identified a lack of staff in lounge areas, a continuing breach from an earlier inspection which represents very poor care.

“The standard of food was very poor, meals lacked nutrition and I am concerned that people are not getting enough food and fluid.

“Consequently this service has been rated ‘Inadequate’ and placed in special measures. We are working with local commissioners, including Calderdale Council, to ensure the safety of people using this service.

“We will continue to monitor Pellon Care Centre and, if not enough improvement is made, we will use our enforcement powers."