Leatherhead care provider rated inadequate after CQC inspection
Silverjen Limited placed in special measures following inspection
A care provider in Leatherhead has been rated inadequate after inspectors found people were receiving unsafe and inconsistent care in their own homes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken further action against Silverjen Limited, which provides personal care and support to people with complex health and care needs.
An inspection in August was prompted by concerns about safe care and treatment and staffing levels.
Inspectors found the quality of care had deteriorated, with the service in breach of four regulations covering areas including safe care, staffing, safeguarding and how it was managed.
The CQC said some care calls were late or cut short, while people reported being rushed through personal care.
Inspectors also found concerns over the management of medicines, including sedatives, and said staff did not always understand the medicines they were administering or keep the correct records.
The regulator also raised concerns about safeguarding after a member of staff was reported to have entered someone's home outside a scheduled visit. The CQC said the allegation was not investigated thoroughly enough and appropriate action was not taken to protect people from potential risk.
Staffing was another concern, with inspectors finding workers did not always have the necessary skills, training and support to work safely at night. Excessive consecutive night shifts were also identified as a potential risk to the quality and safety of care.
The CQC has imposed conditions on Silverjen Limited's registration, including a requirement to provide monthly updates and restrictions on new admissions.
The service has also been placed in special measures, meaning it will be kept under close review while improvements are made.
The CQC has started further regulatory action over its findings. Silverjen Limited has the right to appeal.
Amy Jupp, CQC deputy director for Surrey, said the inspection found a service where poor leadership had left people receiving unsafe and inconsistent care.
She said urgent and significant improvements were needed and that the regulator would continue to monitor the service closely.
Silverjen Limited has been rated inadequate for safe and well-led care. Other areas were not inspected during the latest visit and retain their previous rating of requires improvement.
The CQC says its full inspection report will be published on its website in the coming days.