Nursing home facing closure over bad report (From Thisisdorset)

Nursing home facing closure over bad report

7:00am Thursday 17th May 2007 in

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A POOLE nursing home could face closure after "serious concerns" over its care for elderly patients.

Marlborough House, on Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, received a poor inspection report from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) earlier this year.

Problem areas highlighted in the report included standards of health, shortfalls in nutrition and poorly trained staff.

The CSCI has monitored the 52-bed home since the report was published in January and is currently considering the next course of action.

“Relatives and residents are well aware of the steps the management have taken and are happy with the care being delivered at the home.”

Samir Patel, a director of Marlacourt

But it is understood a notice to close the home could soon be lodged, which would "deregister" the providers - the equivalent of a doctor being struck off.

The providers of the home are listed as Marlacourt Ltd, a company with a registered office in Ringwood.

John Dermody, head of adult social services at Poole council, said: "With the assistance of Bournemouth and Poole Primary Care Trust we have undertaken a review of the care provided at Marlborough House "This was carried out as a result of concerns raised regarding the standard of care being provided to residents at the home.

"The CSCI has stated that it has serious concerns about the standards of care at Marlborough House, and is considering what further action it needs to take."

The residential home remains open for now but is being closely monitored by social services and Bournemouth and Poole Primary Care Trust.

Poole council has contacted relatives of all residents of Marlborough House and says they will be kept regularly informed of further developments.

Marlborough House received a poor' rating in a number of areas of the CSCI report, including health and personal care, staffing and management.

Highlighted were a poorly managed outbreak of scabies, shortfalls in nutritional screening and training on protecting residents from abuse.

The report said: "Systems were not in place to ensure that residents' health care needs were fully met."

Records also showed staff had not been properly referenced or interviewed for jobs.

In 18 of the 21 criteria assessed, there were considered either minor or major shortfalls at the home.

Rates for a week's stay at Marlborough House range from £420 to £650.

Samir Patel, a director of Marlacourt, confirmed a new manager had been appointed following concerns raised by the CSCI.

Mr Patel also said a healthcare consultant had been giving "substantial input" into issues at Marlborough House.

He said: "The result is all the residents at Marlborough House are well cared for and standards are being improved and maintained.

"Relatives and residents are well aware of the steps the management have taken and are happy with the care being delivered at the home."