CQC takes action against Ashill Lodge care home in Watton

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have downgraded Ashill Lodge care home following a recent assessment of its care.

After being alerted by whistleblowers and concerned health care professionals, the CQC visited the residential home on three occasions in May, June and July this year, during which a range of concerns were identified.

Ashill Lodge care home (Image: Archant)

They found evidence that vulnerable residents were put at risk of choking, with staff not taking suitable measures to prevent the hazard.

Stuart Dunn, CQC's deputy director of operations in the East of England said: "Staff didn't always support people to eat and drink safety.

"For example, people who had been given special diets to prevent choking, weren't being fed foods with the right consistency to avoid this happening.

"We saw other people who needed to sit upright to avoid choking, being left lying down in their beds to eat meals.

"This is unacceptable, particularly for residents with dementia who need additional support."

Other concerns included one resident missing their medication nine days running and the home being in a poor state of repair - including exposed wiring on electric beds and loose wires.

It also found staffing levels were not adequate, particularly at nighttime.

The inspection resulted in the home in Ashill, near Watton, being downgraded to a rating of inadequate.

Previously, it had been rated as requiring improvement.

Kay Naidoo (Image: Kay Naidoo)

But Kay Nadioo, the home's director, said that the CQC's rating system was "not fit for purpose".

He said: "The comments are not reflective of the day-to-day work everyone puts in and are more isolated instances.

"We have worked with social services and the CQC and actioned the various points and have requested a review [of the inspection]."