By Isle of Wight Observer
The IW Council is moving some of its residents away from the Blackwater Mill residential care home (RCH), following a damning Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, based on inspections from March to May last year, but only published in October.
The IW Observer understands the council’s actions were prompted following a second inspection; however the results have not yet -been made public. The council did not wish to comment on this, and suggested the IW Observer contact the CQC for confirmation, but they have yet to receive a reply.
The initial report found that residents were placed at risk of harm, because risks were not appropriately assessed and managed. The CQC rated Blackwater Mill, just outside Newport, as ‘inadequate’, and it was put into special measures, with its parent company, Buckland Care, saying extensive steps were being taken to resolve the situation.
Among the issues were a resident received little to no social interaction for 20 days, smoke alarms missing from several areas and a boiler room left unlocked, stairgates which weren’t fit for use in a care home, staff lacked training and guidance on how to support residents, residents had not received their prescribed medicine and staff shortages. Employees also shared concerns about poor treatment and a lack of support from senior leaders.
An council spokesman said: “The IW Council is working with the CQC following concerns raised about the quality of care at Blackwater Mill RCH.
“The care and support needs of people who call Blackwater Mill their home are being carefully reviewed and the council is, where appropriate, supporting residents to access alternative care and support provision. We are working hard to ensure that the residents’ needs are met, and families are kept informed, and our own staff are providing support and management oversight within the care home at this time.”
Buckland Care responded to our enquiries saying: “We would like to confirm that the residents have not been evacuated from the premises, nor has the CQC deemed the home unsafe.
“The decision to relocate some residents was made following a thorough reassessment of their care needs by the IW Council. This reassessment determined that several residents now require nursing care, which is beyond the scope of the services offered at Blackwater Mill as a residential care home.
“We are working closely with the council to ensure that all residents affected by this decision are supported during the transition. Their well-being remains our top priority throughout this process.
“In terms of management changes, the current home manager, Natalie Fielding, will be leaving her position next week. To ensure a seamless transition, we are pleased to welcome Helen Ganfield, an experienced interim manager, who will be taking over the leadership of the home. Helen brings extensive expertise in care home management and will play a key role in supporting our efforts to maintain a safe and supportive environment for both residents and staff.”
The CQC itself came in for heavy criticism last July, after an independent review identified significant internal failings hampered its ability to identify poor performance at hospitals, care homes and GP practices.
