Nursing home for people with mental health issues ‘requires further improvement'

Inspectors at Heightside House, Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall, found some risks to individuals because they had not been properly assessed; medicines were not always managed appropriately; there were concerns over the accommodation and people’s complaints were not properly managed. There was also a lack of effective systems to assess, monitor and improve the quality of the service.

The nursing home, run by Cheadle-based Randomlight Limited, provides long and short-term nursing care for up to 78 people with mental health care needs. The care home also has a separate activity centre including a high-dependency unit.

The inspectors’ report states: “Staff expressed an understanding of safeguarding and protection matters. They knew what to do if they had any concerns. They had received training on safeguarding vulnerable adults and positively responding to people’s behaviours.

“Arrangements were in place to maintain sufficient staffing levels. However, there was no structured process in place to assess staffing arrangements, to make sure there was always enough staff. We found the service needed to be more proactive in promoting rights and choices.

“Staff were enthusiastic about supporting people with shopping and cooking for themselves. However, people spoken with had mixed views about the meals provided at the service.

“Although we found some of the accommodation in the units provided was satisfactory, some areas were in need of upgrading and refurbishment. Improvements were needed around promoting privacy and dignity.”

The Care Quality Commission has now given the nursing home a series of actions. No formal enforcement action has been taken.

The nursing home did not comment.