The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited Chestnut Lodge, located on Butler Street East in Barkerend, once again in July and August.
Inspectors found a “further deterioration in the quality of care” was being provided since the care home was put into special measures to “protect people” earlier this year.
The care home operator says it is taking the outcome “extremely seriously” and adds that it has “taken significant steps to improve”.
All areas at care home now ‘inadequate’
Chestnut Lodge provides nursing and personal care for up to 80 people – some of whom are living with dementia.
CQC carried out the inspection to follow up on concerns raised at the previous inspection where warning notices were issued regarding safe care and treatment, and how the service is managed.
Following this inspection, CQC has rated the areas of safe and well-led as inadequate again.
Effective, responsive and caring have gone down from requires improvement to inadequate.
CQC has begun the process of taking regulatory action to address the concerns, which SSC Bradford Limited has the right to appeal.
‘Unsafe care’ is ‘unacceptable’
The CQC saw several hazards including a medicines and sharps cupboard being accessible to people, exposed screws in light fittings that could cause an injury, and holes in ceilings that hadn’t been repaired.
Staff “continued to place people at risk” as they received “unsafe care, which is unacceptable in a place they call home”.
The report added that during a lunchtime, only one member of staff was present at the unit meaning it was impossible for everyone’s needs to be met.
CQC ‘very disappointed’
Linda Hirst, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said: “When we returned to Chestnut Lodge, it was very disappointing to see a further deterioration in the quality of care being provided since we last inspected.
“Continued poor leadership and ineffective risk management meant people were receiving unsafe care, which is unacceptable in a place they call home.
“Leaders still hadn’t made the home a safe place to live, and we saw several hazards including a medicines and sharps cupboard being accessible to people, exposed screws in light fittings that could cause and injury and holes in ceilings that hadn’t been repaired.
“Several bedrooms had bad odours, and we found mattresses that smelled of urine and needed replacing.
“Staff continued to place people at risk by not supporting their needs appropriately.
“For example, repositioning records for people who needed moving in bed regularly were inaccurate meaning they were left in bed too long which increased their risk of getting pressure sores.
“Other people at risk of falls were wearing unsuitable clothing placing them at risk of injury.
“Additionally, staff deployment wasn’t safely managed which led to people being placed at risk.
“During a lunchtime, only one member of staff was present at the unit meaning it was impossible for everyone’s needs to be met.
“Relatives told us they had to intervene when no staff were around when someone was about to throw a vase which could have caused an injury.
“People had also fallen in the home when there was no staff to support them.
“We have told leaders where we expect to see rapid, and continued improvements and will continue to monitor the home closely to keep people safe during this time.
“We have begun the process of taking regulatory action in order to protect people further.”
‘Deeply regret’ not meeting high standards
The care home operator said since the inspection, it has already “taken significant steps to improve”.
A spokesperson for Harbour Heathcare said: “SSC Bradford Ltd – Chestnut Lodge acknowledges the findings of the recent inspection conducted by, the Care Quality Commission (CQC)], which rated our service as Inadequate.
“We take this outcome extremely seriously and are committed to addressing all areas identified for improvement as a matter of urgency.
“We recognise that the care and wellbeing of our residents must always be our highest priority.
“We deeply regret that the service provided at the time of inspection did not meet the high standards that our residents, families, and community rightfully expect.”
They added: “We are determined to learn from this inspection and rebuild confidence among our residents, their families, and our staff.
“Our goal is to ensure Chestnut Lodge becomes a place where every resident receives safe, compassionate, and person-centred care.”