A CARE home has been shut by the Care Quality Commission just two years after being rated as ‘good’ – after inspectors found the site ‘placed people at risk of harm’.
Rosehill House Residential Home, based on Keresforth Road in Dodworth, was able to provide personal care for up to 27 people over two floors in a detached period building.
After being rated as ‘good’ by the CQC in 2021, inspectors found earlier this year that the home ‘requires improvement’.
It has now been shut down by the commission and those living at the site have been moved to nearby facilities.
Barnsley Council have been supporting those residents and their families to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Coun Jo Newing, cabinet spokesperson for place health and adult social care, said: “As part of our duties under the Care Act, we’re committed to making sure the people we support live in safe and welcoming spaces, where they can access the right support for them.
“With the closure of Rosehill House, we’ve worked closely with residents and their families to help them find a new place to call home.
“Our social work teams have been key to making sure they continue to receive the right support for them, helping residents to safely move and settle into their new surroundings.
“I would like to thank our social work teams and families for supporting people to experience a smooth and safe transition.”
The latest report, which was published in April, stated that the home was not safe.
It said: “Risks to people were not adequately assessed in all areas.
“The physical environment posed risks to people’s health and safety.
“We found fire exits within the premises were not easily identifiable and the storage of combustible items in rooms used for internal gas and electrical mains service meant there were increased fire related risks to people.
“The provider had not made sure that electrical equipment had been tested to make sure it was properly maintained and safe to use.
“Throughout the premises we saw trailing electrical wires and door guards that were not connected that presented trip hazards.”
The report added that those in charge were not promoting safety and the hygiene of the site was poor.
“Infection and prevention control policies were in place, but staff were not following them which placed people at risk of harm,” it added.
“There were cracks in the plaster on walls, stains and marks on furnishings and flooring, and equipment that needed cleaning or replacing.
“We found there were strong malodours in areas of the home.
“Medicines were not managed safely, which placed people at risk of harm.
“The provider could not demonstrate that medicines were stored correctly.
“For example, staff had not checked the temperatures of the medication fridge and room for over a week.”
Coun Chris Wray, who represents the Dodworth ward, said he is hoping the residents are receiving the correct support from Barnsley Council.
He added: “It’s both worrying and disappointing to hear the news of a reportedly struggling care home.
“Not only does this have a severe impact on the most vulnerable, but it has a massive impact on their loved ones.
“The CQC will undoubtedly take any and all actions they feel necessary.
“I can only hope they, and others with influence, ensure this and all homes are safe, and in this case that that all possible support is offered from the council and the government to those in care and their families.”
