A DAMNING report has highlighted significant failings “with the risk of harm to the health and welfare of people” at a Cardigan nursing home.

A recent unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) found major issues at Bridell Manor Care Home, near Penybryn on the A478, which provides nursing and personal care for up to 37 people over 65 years living with dementia or mental infirmity.

A series of non-compliance notices has been issued demanding urgent improvements and a statement from CIW said: “Bridell Manor was considered at a local improvement and enforcement panel. It was determined a service of concern as there was risk of harm to the health and welfare of people living at the home. Urgent non-compliance notices were issued. The service remains non-compliant with the identified regulations.

“Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) takes the protection of the vulnerable very seriously. We will continue to review and consider what action is appropriate, in line with CIW’s enforcement processes.

“This will include further inspection to see if improvements have been made. We are working closely with the Local Authority and Health Board to ensure the provider brings about the improvements needed at the service.”

The report stated that the home “was not being managed in a competent manner” and highlighted inadequacies in:

• staffing levels

• environment and equipment

• activity planning to ensure well-being

• care planning

• risk assessment

• provision for training to ensure people are cared for by competent and skilled carers

• communication with staff and people living at the home

The report said: “People cannot be assured they are treated with dignity or their wishes will be respected or expect training needed by staff will be identified and provided.

“Care staff we spoke with on the day of inspection commented; ‘we are managing on a sixpence’ , ‘it never used to be like this, it’s diabolical, imagine how it feels to know it is the residents that suffer, I am ashamed’. Another staff member told us” it is chaotic” and staff told us they would not place their relative at Bridell.”

Western Telegraph:

A statement from Buckinghamshire-based Ashberry Healthcare Limited, which runs the home, said: “We take all feedback from Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) very seriously and sincerely apologise to residents and their loved ones for the shortcomings highlighted during the recent inspection.

“We are clear the standard of care at Bridell Manor fell short of the high standards residents rightly expect and that we know we can provide.

“The safety and wellbeing of residents is our number one priority and we have acted swiftly to put in place a comprehensive improvement plan which is being overseen by the senior management team, with on-going support from the CIW, local council and other healthcare professionals.

“We have already resolved all maintenance and structural issues and made significant financial investments to upgrade equipment and furniture. Additional upgrade work is planned to transform the care giving and leisure facilities at the home, further enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of residents.

“With the support of a new home manager and clinical lead, a comprehensive staff training programme is underway so that all colleagues have the skills to deliver consistently high-quality care. New personalised care plans have been created for each resident, and our documentation and record-keeping processes have been overhauled.

“Every level of our organisation is committed to getting care right. We are dedicating a significant amount of resources and time to the home over the long term as we work to deliver a care service we can all be proud of.

“We thank residents and relatives for their patience whilst these changes are made and embedded, and we look forward to demonstrating our continued improvement to them over the coming weeks and months.”

A full copy of the CIW report can be found here.