Warnings for care provider over ‘serious failings’ at rehabilitation homes

THE private firm behind a controversial scheme to house women with forensic mental health problems in Humberston has been issued with formal warnings over two other properties it runs in Cleethorpes.

The Care Quality Commission – the body that monitors health and social care providers – found “serious failings” when it made unannounced visits to two properties where Carmand operates rehabilitative accommodation in Grimsby Road in the resort.

Inspectors issued four warnings to the company after discovering measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of users were “inadequate”. This included the absence of procedures for dealing with emergencies.

During their visits to Jade House and Sapphire House, on July 7 and 13, inspectors also found that users’ care needs were not monitored on a regular basis, that records were “lacking or incomplete” and that staff levels were “insufficient”.

However, after the CQC issued a formal warning to the firm on August 1 – ordering that changes be made within two days – it has confirmed that Carmand is now meeting the essential standards of care quality and safety.

Carmand director and forensic psychologist Carol Faniyi said she welcomed the inspections and was now preparing to welcome two women with forensic mental health problems to the company’s newest property at 154 Grimsby Road, Humberston.

She added: “We are a new company and were delighted that the CQC came in and gave us instruction on how we could ensure compliance and establish the high standards of care required.

“We are not perfect at the moment but we strive to be and have already met the action points required of us.

“The first two ladies who will be moving into the Humberston property have been to visit and have met a neighbour, who was very reassured by the meeting.”

As reported, some residents voiced major concerns at Carmand’s plans to move the women – some of whom are former offenders – into 154 Grimsby Road, Humberston, to rehabilitate them back into the community.

The company’s plans came to light when a letter was wrongly delivered to a neighbour. The letter had Carmand printed on the outside of the envelope, prompting neighbours to research the company.

They complained to North East Lincolnshire Council over the plans, but because Carmand is legitimately registered with the CQC and does not require any planning permission – such as an application for change of use – the authority has no power to stop it.

Residents say they were further concerned when Carmand initially stated that two of the residents set to be housed at Humberston were subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa) but later said this would not be the case.

Mappa was introduced in 2001 as the statutory arrangement for managing sexual and violent offenders.

Jo Dent, regional director of CQC in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, said care providers have a duty to ensure they are compliant with the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2009.

She added: “Today, we have announced the issue of four warning notices – two against the company, Carmand Ltd, and two in respect of the registered manager.

“Our inspectors will return to the homes, in the near future and if we find that the provider is not making the required progress, we won’t hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who live there.”

Inspectors will carry out unannounced visits to Carmand’s properties in the future and should they fail to comply with regulations, the CQC could issue further warning notices, fines or even withdraw the company’s registration.