A CARE home in Palacefields has been rated as ‘requires improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission.

This follows an inspection that took place due to concerns around patient safety.

St Lukes Care Home, which has the capacity to house 56 older people, was found to have issues around medicine records, staffing, oversight of falls management and personal hygiene.

As a result, inspectors ruled that the care home requires improvement in both safety and leadership.

The care home, on Palacefields Avenue, was last inspected in February 2022 where it was found to be ‘good’.

In the latest inspection, it was found that some records “had not been completed consistently and some lacked detailed information to evidence the support people received”.

The inspectors also found that quality assurance systems were “not always effective at identifying issues and driving improvements to the overall quality and safety of the service”.

In addition, it was reported that staff at the care home were often rushed and at times there were “not enough staff to support with tasks in a timely manner”.

Despite some concerns surrounding the safety of the care home, families of residents did praise staff at the home in the report because “they work so hard.

“They are always kind and patient no matter how busy they are,” the CQC said.

Another family member said: “It is absolutely brilliant, could not have been better. It is the care, the staff never seem to get flustered about anything, they are always on it.”

The inspection was prompted by the inspectorate being notified of an incident following which a person at the home sustained a serious injury.

The inspection found “no evidence that people were at risk of harm from this concern” but did find other concerns which mean “the provider needs to make improvements”.

One resident at the home praised the staff, stating: “I love the atmosphere. It is pleasant and friendly, and I feel like part of a big family.

“I would recommend this home because of the staff; they are so good and go above and beyond what they need to do.”

The home has been provided with an action plan to address concerns around quality and safety.