Washington care home is labelled 'inadequate' by inspectors

A care home in Washington has been slammed by inspectors.
Donwell House care home, in Washington.Donwell House care home, in Washington.
Donwell House care home, in Washington.

Donwell House care home was handed an "inadequate" rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a spot inspection in March.

Inspectors found residents were at risk of drug overdoses after staff wrongly reported that painkillers could be given up to eight times a day, when the maximum allowance is four.

The report read: "Medicines were not managed in a safe way.

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"Protocols were in place for 'as and when required' medicines however they did not contain specific instructions for staff to follow in relation to dosage, time between medicine administration and indicators that a person may need their medicine."

Concerns were also raised by residents about the food choices on offer.

"People's views about the food were sought but this was not acted on in a caring and respectful manner," said the report.

Donwell House provides care for up to 63 people some of whom have nursing needs and/or may be living with dementia.

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There are two wings at Donwell House; one wing is made up of two residential care units. The other wing has two nursing units.

It is understood that the home has been taken over by new owners Care Concern Group since the inspection.

The CQC has said it will continue to monitor the home.