A widower has said the health watchdog downgrading the care home where his late wife spent time before her death "comes as no surprise".

Windmill House Care Home in Browick Road, Wymondham, run by Runwood Homes, was given a 'requires improvement' rating by the independent regulator after inspectors visited on October 25 and November 1.

The home had previously been deemed 'outstanding' after a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in December 2018.

Findings from the latest inspection included:

  • People did not always feel well-supported, cared for or treated with dignity and respect;
  • People were not protected from harm, as risk items such as denture cleaning tablets, razors, personal care and cleaning products were not stored securely;
  • Risk management of people's diabetes care needed improvement to reflect nationally recognised best practice. Staff demonstrated a lack of understanding as to when people's blood glucose levels needed to be checked, and actions to be taken where concerns were identified.

Eastern Daily Press: Janice Hopper, 74, who died in hospital in February 2022, after staying at Windmill House Care Home in Wymondham Janice Hopper, 74, who died in hospital in February 2022, after staying at Windmill House Care Home in Wymondham (Image: Nicki Price)

Chris Hopper, whose wife Janice Hopper died aged 74 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on February 12, 2022, after moving into the home on New Year's Eve 2021 after a hip operation.

An inquest held last month heard Mrs Hopper was admitted to hospital after suffering from an acute kidney injury linked to dehydration and in a hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state.

The inquest highlighted a number of errors in her treatment while at the home.

Speaking for the family, Mr Hopper, 77, from Cringleford, said: “It comes as no surprise to learn that Windmill House has been downgraded as a care provider and the CQC have areas of concern.

“The CQC’s investigation and the coroner’s report to prevent future deaths highlights the failure of management and we hope Runwood Homes and the authorities take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable for their failings, to avoid any other family having to go through the heartache of losing a loved one in similar circumstances."

A Runwood Homes spokeswoman said: “We regret that Windmill House, when inspected in November, had fallen below the standards that we and the Care Quality Commission expect.

"The safety and well-being of our residents will always be our number one priority at Runwood Homes.

"We treat all feedback we receive seriously, and following the most recent CQC report, key actions have already been put in place at the home.

"We continually strive to incorporate all learnings and improve the quality of service we provide to our residents."