'Inadequate' home-care service placed in special measures

DOVER-BASED domiciliary care service Qualified Care Ltd has been placed in special measures after people were put at serious risk of harm due to "unsafe staffing and poor leadership".

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The Care Quality Commission inspected the service in July, and released its findings last Wednesday (September 3) in a report that rated the service "inadequate".

Inspectors found six breaches of regulations relating to person-centred care, safe care and treatment, safeguarding people from abuse and improper treatment, good management, staffing, and failure to submit notifications of incidents.

In response, the CQC has imposed urgent conditions on Qualified Care Ltd, requiring the company to make immediate improvements.

These conditions stop the service from supporting some people and from accepting new care packages without the CQC's consent. Leaders are now required to take swift action to improve staffing and strengthen systems.

The company has since apologised for not meeting the standards required. It has fully acknowledged the findings of the CQC and says it has taken them on board with "the utmost seriousness".