Luxury Fareham care home taken out of special measures by inspectors

Gracewell of Fareham in Parker View, Fareham, was recently given a boost by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission after they upped its rating from ‘inadequate’ to ‘requires improvement.’

The £7m care home, which opened in 2012 and was originally called Parker Meadows, was placed into special measures this year but following two repeat inspections in May and in October, inspectors have lifted it from the status.

A new report, published on December 6 that was based on the October inspection, said: ‘We found the provider now had effective processes in place to protect people against abuse and avoidable harm.’

However, it voiced concerns about staffing numbers at the facility, stating: ‘The provider did not always make sure there were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and experienced staff available to support people safely.

‘Staff received appropriate training to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge to support people according to their needs.

‘However, they were not always supported to carry out their duties by means of formal supervision and appraisal.’

Inspectors said records of people’s care were not always accurate and up to date and called for an improvement in staff’s risk assessments.

A spokesperson for Gracewell of Fareham said: ‘The health and wellbeing of everyone we support is always our number one priority and we are constantly working to improve our services.

‘We are very pleased that the report recognises the positive steps that have been taken since the previous inspection, and the overall caring environment is highlighted as being ‘good’, however, we know that there is still work to be done.

‘Since the inspection in October, the experienced new management team have continued to implement a comprehensive action plan, including a significant recruitment drive to increase the number of permanent staff. We strive to provide the highest standards of care, and continue to work to make sure every resident receives the support they deserve.’