Health watchdog orders improvements at two Redbridge care homes

Two Redbridge care homes were ordered to make improvements after recent inspections by a health watchdog.

Airthrie Homes, in Airthrie Road, Goodmayes, missed standards of managing medicines and staffing.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors found that the home, which provides accommodation, support and personal care for adults with learning disabilities, had not been keeping adequate records of medication.

A cupboard used as storage for tablets and pills was found unlocked and unsupervised, although a padlock was later found.

Charts meant to record what medication had been given to residents had gaps and there was no receipt for items returned to the pharmacist.

The report said: “Errors with the administration and recording of medications could negatively impact on the health, safety and welfare of people.”

Some staff files were also missing references, proof of identification and Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Manager Jacqui Bailey said the home was going through a “staffing reshuffle” at the time.

She added: “We have always done very well in Redbridge Council inspections.”

Winterton House, in Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hill, was found to be missing standards of medicine management, safety and supporting staff.

CQC inspectors found the home, which provides accommodation and support care for older people, including dementia patients, had gaps on medication records.

Trip hazards were seen and there was “no evidence” of ongoing training and development for staff.

Owner Jaya Hira said: “The issues raised by CQC have no or a minor impact on the residents.

“The home has modified the processes and all the issues have now been taken care of.”

Both homes are must send an improvement plan to the CQC, which will check on progress.

All standards were met at Victoria House, in George Lane, South Woodford.

The care home, run by Care Management Group, provides accommodation and care for six people with learning disabilities.