A CARE home has been told to improve its standards within a month – or face further action.
Craegmoor Healthcare, the owner of Potton House, the home for older people with dementia and challenging behaviour, has been issued with a formal warning by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The regulatory body has said that the Biggleswade home is failing to meet the needs of the people in its care.
The report follows an unannounced inspection on Thursday, December 15, following concerns from a previous visit in October, when improvements were found to be required in every area.
The warning highlights problems with safeguarding residents. They include staff knowledge of safeguarding issues, necessary responses, the home’s safeguarding policy and how to contact Central Beds Council’s safeguarding team.
Safeguarding concerns had not been reported and internal monitoring for safeguarding and health, welfare and safety was ineffective.
Frances Carey, regional director of CQC in the East of England, said: “The law says these are the standards that everyone should be able to expect.
“This warning sends a clear and public message that the owner of Potton House has to address this issue or face further consequences.
“Our inspectors will return in the near future and if we find that the required progress is not made we won’t hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who use this service.”
A spokesperson for Potton House said: “We have worked tirelessly to resolve the matters highlighted by the regulators.
“We have been working closely and collaboratively with the CQC and our internal quality team, and all the issues raised will be fully addressed within the prescribed timescale.
“We are confident that our remedial action will satisfy the CQC.”
Improvements must be made by Friday, February 24.
If Craegmoor Healthcare fails to comply, the CQC has a range of enforcement powers including restricting services Potton House can offer and issuing financial penalty notices.