A care home in Oxfordshire has been found in ‘repeated breach of regulations’ by a watchdog. 

Sotwell Hill House in Brightwell cum Sotwell near Wallingford was rated ‘requires improvement' - the second lowest rating possible- by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

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Concerns were raised that people were at risk of ‘potential abuse’ and that staff did not always have the correct information to ensure they supported people safely.

The inspection of Sotwell Hill House was carried out on May 24 and the report published on August 23.

Sotwell Hill House is a residential care home that provides accommodation and personal care for up to 36 older people.

The care home was rated ‘requires improvement’ at a previous inspection in March last year.

Following this, an action plan was put in place, but at the most recent visit it was found that not all concerns had been addressed.

The report read: “When injuries to people occurred, these were recorded but the documentation we reviewed did not include the size, shape, colour or position on the body recorded.

“Follow up information regarding healing also had not been recorded.

“This put people at potential risk of abuse, as the registered manager did not always have the information to ensure injuries were healing appropriately and the information required to investigate any unexplained injuries.

“Staff did not always have the correct information to ensure they supported people safely.

“We found conflicting information recorded in care plans and risk assessments for one person regarding how much thickener was required to be added to their fluids to reduce the risks of choking.

“Another person had conflicting information recorded regarding how often they should be checked by staff to maintain their safety.”

The report continued: “We found no evidence people had been harmed however, systems were not robust enough to demonstrate risks were identified and mitigated.

“This placed people at risk of harm.

“This was a continued breach of regulation 17 (Good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.”

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But the inspectors did find that the care home residents were cared for by staff who had been recruited safely.

Sufficient staff were also deployed to maintain people’s safety and to meet individual needs.

The report read: “During the inspection we observed staff responding to people in a kind, considerate manner.

“The service had a nice, relaxed atmosphere.

“Staff were attentive to people and relatives spoke highly of the staff working at the home.

“One person said, "I would have no problem to recommend it (Sotwell Hill House) and I already did."