Agency hits out at ‘unfair’ care report

Allied Care and Nursing Ltd has been rated as requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission.

However, the firm’s boss has hit back at the health watchdog, claiming the report is “grossly unfair”.

The report states: “Areas which required improvement include recruitment practices and procedures, staff rostering and ensuring people received their calls.

“Staff training, induction and supervision arrangements were not robust.

“Support plans were not completed for all people prior to the commencement of the service being provided by Allied Care and Nursing Limited.

“These areas were not picked up by the registered provider’s quality assurance arrangements.”

The health watchdog also raised concerns over the care patients were receiving from the agency and the impact of it on its patients.

Inspectors found some of the 37 patients gave good feedback for the care received but others raised concerns about it.

The report states: “Overall, people and those acting on their behalf believed the care and support received was good.

“Comments included: “I am very happy with them, it is very good”, “I think they are good, they do everything I need,” and, “I think it is excellent, they are excellent, they are all very helpful.”

“However, the above contrasted with the care and support experienced by some people.

“This referred specifically to missed and late calls and the impact this had on individual people.

“This could impact on the quality of care people receive.”

David Wells, managing director and qualified nurse at the care agency, based in Ditton Court Road, Westcliff, said: “I find it grossly unfair.

“There has been a rapid decline in the quality of care agencies in the area.

“I feel the regulator does not look at the quality of carers or the bedside manner and that it is just a box ticking exercise.”

The care agency was previously rated as good after an inspection in August last year.