A REPORT has warned care home residents are at risk of being trapped inside during a fire because of locked emergency exits.

Acorn Lodge Care Home, in Beazley end, Braintree, was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and placed under special measures after it was also found police investigated allegations of abuse. 

During the unannounced visit in June, CQC inspectors found the service had failed to notify the CQC of the police investigation, which is a breach of legal requirements.

It was also discovered residents were not always protected from environmental risks, including that of being trapped by fire. 

Inspectors found a large gas canister stored with other combustible material at the top of a flight of stairs.

The report, published last Thursday, said: “The information shared with CQC about the two incidents indicated potential concerns about the management of risk.

“We noted that all external fire doors required a key to open them in an emergency.

“Not all staff had access to keys and should people need to evacuate the building in an emergency there was a lack of guidance as to how this would be managed.”

Inspectors contacted Essex fire service to inform them of concerns.

In response it carried out a fire safety audit and, in response to a number of shortfalls, issued the provider with a deficiencies notice, giving it eight weeks to take action to comply with fire safety regulations and mitigate the risk of harm.

Staff had a limited understanding of the English language and when asked about the night time needs of people they cared for they were unable to fully understand what was being asked.

The report said: “When asked about any training they may have received, their knowledge and understanding of how to recognise and report abuse, were unable to understand and respond to what we were asking of them.

“We were therefore not assured that these staff were able to understand and respond to the health, welfare and safety needs of people who used the service.

“This arrangement also had the potential to put people at risk of being cared for by staff who did not have the skills and knowledge to meet their needs, to take charge and respond to night time emergencies and mitigate people from the risk of harm.”

The home declined to comment.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Essex Police investigated an injury to a resident at Acorn Lodge care home, in Beazley End, Braintree, on April 6.

“Following investigation, we ascertained there were no criminal offences.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "We are aware of the latest CQC report on Acorn Lodge following their inspection in June.

"We are working closely with the provider and the CQC and are overseeing the progress being made to address concerns identified.

"The CQC have the responsibility for regulating and inspecting care homes and Essex County Council will notify them if we have any concerns.

“We will continue to support and closely monitor the level of care provided to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all residents.

"We have temporarily not commissioned further placements while this work takes place.”