A care facility has been placed under special supervision after reports of mice living in mattresses and exposed wires posing risks of electrocution. During an inspection, it was discovered that residents were living in unsanitary and hazardous conditions, with holes in ceilings, exposed wiring, and smoking in common areas leading to extensive damage from cigarette burns.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted the assessment in June and July at Rodney House in Liverpool, where 48 residents were residing. Following the inspection, urgent measures were taken against the facility, operated by EBS Services Limited, resulting in the relocation of all residents to alternative housing.
Specializing in catering to older individuals, those with mental health issues, and physical disabilities, the care home received an inadequate rating from the CQC and remains under special supervision. The CQC’s northern operations director, Karen Knapton, expressed concerns about the lack of leadership and the resulting poor care standards at Rodney House.
The inspection revealed an infestation of flies and mice activity, with residents pointing out mice living in their mattresses. The facility was also criticized for exposed wiring that put residents and staff at risk of electrocution and injury from falls. The report highlighted the need for extensive refurbishment, citing damaged furniture, lack of proper amenities in bedrooms, and poor ventilation due to window conditions.
Furthermore, the report noted dirty bedrooms, stained furniture, unlabelled food, and unpleasant odors, indicating overall poor living conditions at the care home. Following complaints received by the CQC, eight breaches of legal regulations were identified, leading to imposed conditions preventing Rodney House from admitting new residents without prior consent.
Karen Knapton emphasized the unacceptable living conditions experienced by residents, including delayed response times to calls for assistance and neglect in addressing basic needs like TV access. The CQC vowed to closely monitor the home for improvements and utilize regulatory powers to enforce necessary changes.