Care home at centre of murder probe criticised in new report

Formal warnings have been issued to a Berkshire care home where a 73-year-old man was found dead earlier this year.

A 63-year-old woman from Bracknell was arrested on suspicion of murder after Colin Partridge was found dead at Ascot Nursing Home in Ascot, Berkshire. She was bailed until June 16.

This week the Care Quality Commission published the result of an unannounced inspection carried out at the home on April 7, soon after Mr Partridge’s death.

Inspectors have warned that improvements must be made after the report identified concerns about the way medicine was managed and the level of staff training.

A summary of the published report states: “People were at risk of missing their medication or receiving inappropriate medication. This was because it was not stored or administered in line with guidance. Staff were not aware of all the risks associated with people’s care due to lack of training or knowledge about each person they cared for.”

“Relevant guidance and research from professional bodies was not always followed. This meant people were at risk of receiving care that would not meet their needs.”

Ascot Nursing Home is divided into four units for people with different needs and cares for up to 75 people who live with long term mental health conditions.

The recent inspection team consisted of two inspectors, a specialist adviser in nursing and end of life care and a pharmacist inspector.

A spokesman for Ascot Nursing Home said this week that no comment was being made at this stage.