The Care Quality Commission has issued a formal warning to Guinness Care and Support Limited that it is facing enforcement action unless it makes urgent improvements to standards of care.
The warning notices follow an unannounced visit by CQC to Arcot House Residential Home at Sidmouth in Devon in October 2012 following concerns received by CQC. The care home is registered to accommodate up to 23 people.
Inspectors found that the care home was in a state of disrepair, and failing to comply with six essential standards of quality and safety
• The registered provider Guinness Care and Support Limited had not taken proper steps to ensure that care was delivered appropriately to meet people's individual needs.
• The home had failed to assess, review, plan and deliver care and treatment in such a way as to meet individual needs, and ensure the welfare and safety of the people living at the home.
• The care home did not have effective systems in place to prevent, detect and control the spread of healthcare associated infections.
• The provider failed to ensure the maintenance of appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene in relation to equipment used in the home.
• Inspectors found that the registered provider had failed in their duty to ensure that people were protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises.
Ian Biggs, deputy director of CQC in the South said: "The law says that these are the standards that everyone should be able to expect. Providers have a duty to ensure they are compliant and this cannot be allowed to continue.
"This warning sends a clear and public message that Guinness Care and Support Limited needs to address these issues as a matter of urgency or face serious consequences.
"We note that the provider has said that it has already taken action. Our inspectors will keep Arcot House Residential Home under review, working closely with NHS Devon and Devon County Council to ensure that people are not at undue risk of harm.
"We will return in the near future and if we find that this home is not making the required progress we won't hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who use the service."
