Residents came to harm at inadequate home - report

A care home where residents came "to actual harm" has been placed in special measures after inspectors found a "significant decline" in the care being offered.

The Red House Welfare and Housing Society, in Sudbury, Suffolk, has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an inspection in June.

Inspectors said medicines were not stored securely, hazardous substances were accessible and hot water pipes were uncovered.

The home apologised for aspects of its care that "did not meet the standards residents and their families are entitled to expect".

Hazel Roberts, of the CQC, said the service had been placed in special measures to "keep people safe".

"We found failing leadership who allowed a poor culture to become normalised, resulting in a significant decline in the care people received, putting them at risk," she said.

"We've told leaders where they must make immediate and substantial improvements."

Twenty-eight people were living at the home when it was inspected.

In one instance, inspectors found a resident was left with a pressure ulcer for at least two weeks before it was treated by a nurse.

The home was deemed unsafe, with poor maintenance contributing to a risk of infection, uneven flooring and unprotected staircases.

Inspectors said medicines were not stored in locked cabinets and, according to the report, they were told of an underlying bullying culture by staff.

"Leaders hadn't ensured care plans or risk management was good enough, resulting in some people coming to actual harm," said Roberts.

"One person suffered a urinary tract infection because they weren't being given enough to drink.

"Another person experienced extreme discomfort requiring external medical intervention related to their bowel movements due to neglectful care."

Inspectors were also told by workers at the home they often "had to rush care" and "didn't have time to talk to people" due to low staffing levels.

"We were concerned that not all incidents weren't being recorded or reported, including safeguarding concerns," added Roberts.

Since the inspection, the home has worked on improvements with Suffolk County Council.

"The issues and concerns highlighted in the report is unacceptable and does not reflect the values or standards we expect to be delivered at The Red House," a spokesperson said.

"Our priority and focus is always to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred care, in which every resident is treated with kindness, dignity, and respect."

They added the home was committed to making "substantial improvements".

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.