Baylham Care Centre, near Needham Market, rated inadequate in a Care Quality Commission inspection

Baylham Care Centre, near Needham Market, was rated inadequate in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, following concerns raised by whistleblowers, relatives and partner agencies.

The nursing home, in Upper Street, Baylham, has been placed into special measures and told it must improve its quality of care.

Responding to the results of the CQC inspection, a spokesperson for the care centre said it is committed to providing the highest standards of care and support for residents and families.

The spokesperson for the centre, which is run by Optima HCI Limited, said improvements had already been made before the inspection, something the care centre believes was overlooked by the CQC.

In its report, following the inspection in July, the CQC said it identified five breaches of regulations.

These related to safe care and treatment, safeguarding, dignity and respect, premises and equipment and good governance.

Inspectors said they found a resident coming out of their room with soiled wet clothing, so inspectors attempted to alert staff.

However, no one responded to the call bell. The inspector then had to search for a member of staff to help.

Another incident, mentioned in the report, related to a resident who was crying into their hands loudly.

Two members of the staff in the room ignored the person’s cries. When asked why they did not comfort the resident, they said the person did it all the time.

The CQC report said the 55 older people being cared for at the home, including those with dementia, were ‘not protected from harm’.

It identified concerns relating to environment, medicines management, deployment of staff and record keeping.

Despite this, the inspector said: “Relatives did give positive feedback for most of the individual care staff.”

Fiona Williams, managing director of the care centre, said: “Baylham Care Centre is committed to continuing the highest standards of care and support for our residents and families.

“Long before the recent inspection we had already put in place a robust improvement plan, with a new leadership team, new nursing staff, and strengthened systems.”

“These changes are well advanced and making a real difference."