A Gateshead care home has been rated Inadequate after its previous rating was suspended following a BBC investigation.

Addison Court, which is operated by Prestwick, part of the Malhotra Group, was placed in special measures following a CQC inspection in November.

The care home had previously been rated Good but had its rating suspended following a Panorama probe into its employment of overseas workers.

Linda Hirst, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said: “When we inspected Addison Court, it was disappointing to see a significant deterioration in the level of care being provided. Leaders were working on an improvement plan when we visited, but it was too early to see any proper progress.”

Hirst noted there was an increased use of agency staff at the home who did not know people’s needs well enough.

The deputy director said recruitment checks did not always follow the provider’s recruitment processes, adding: “Some references weren’t suitable, and some application forms hadn’t been fully completed, it’s important that thorough checks are carried out to keep people safe.”

The CQC also highlighted a significant increase in falls between June and July with no measures put in check to check why and put preventative measures in place.

However, the CQC did see some positive areas of care, noting the environment was welcoming and spacious and had been adapted for the needs of people living with dementia.

The regular also noted three staff had been nominated for an ‘Angel award’ in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the local community, people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, staff followed good infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and the provider carried out a range of health and safety related risk assessments and checks to maintain a safe environment.

Prestwick Care has been asked to comment.