A CARE home has been rated inadequate after an inspection found the provider had “failed to ensure people were treated with dignity and respect”.

Partridge House Nursing and Residential Care Home in Leybourne Road, Brighton, is now in special measures after being visited by Care Quality Commission inspectors on April 28. 

They highlighted several areas in their report on the home, which accommodates up to 38 people, and said care was inadequate.

The report said: “At this inspection we observed that people were not always treated with dignity and respect. 

“For example, one person continually asked staff for a cup of tea. 

“However, no member of staff listened to this person for more than 30 minutes. 

The Argus:

“Another person was asking for tea and biscuits, this was refused, as the member of staff stated they 'must finish their milkshake first, before they can have tea and biscuits’.”

The home was rated on how “responsive” it is and inspectors also found this area inadequate.

They said a relative had expressed concerns and said: "They don't do anything with him, they just bring his food in and that's it.”

Another relative told inspectors their loved one was often bored and did not have their interests catered for.

Leadership at the home was also critcised and rated inadequate, with the report stating there were widespread and significant shortfalls.

It said: “Leaders and the culture they created did not assure the delivery of high-quality care.

“We received negative feedback in relation to how the service was run and how management acted on feedback received. 

“One person told us ‘I shouldn't moan, but what else can you do?’.

“A relative added, ‘to be honest, we've had nothing but problems since [my relative] has come here. The management doesn't seem interested in us. We raise concerns, but it doesn't change things. It is a worry’." 

Inspectors said both safety and “effectiveness” need improvement.

The report said: “We have identified breaches in relation to person-centred care, dignity and respect, premises and equipment and good governance.

“The overall rating for this service is inadequate and the service is therefore in special measures. 

“This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider’s registration, we will re-inspect within six months to check for significant improvements.

“If the provider has not made enough improvement within this timeframe and there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall rating, we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures.”