A Northeast care home has had its rating suspended by the CQC following a BBC Panorama investigation which broadcasts tonight.

The action was taken against Prestwick Care’s Addison Court following a number of safeguarding reports, including those from the BBC.

Ann Ford, CQC’s director of operations in the North, said: “As a result of receiving information of concern regarding Addison Court in Crawcrook, Ryton, we carried out an inspection to ensure people are receiving safe care. During the inspection we found a number of issues and have taken the decision to suspend the rating of the service. We are also taking action to ensure that safety risks are addressed. We will provide further information when the legal process allows.

“We are closely monitoring Addison Court along with the other locations registered to this provider. If we have immediate concerns about people’s safety, we will use our enforcement powers to keep people safe, working alongside partner agencies including the local authority.”

The Panorama episode, which broadcasts tonight on BBC One at 7pm, and which is available on iplayer, investigates the employment of overseas care workers at Addison Court.

The documentary highlights skilled visa requirements which mean that workers have 60 days to find another position if they leave their role or face having to return home.

One worker tells the BBC he would have to repay Prestwick Care over £4,000 if he left within five years to reimburse Home Office and legal fee payments.

Other staff members said they had paid fees between £6,000 and £10,000 for their visas through recruitment agency BGM Consulting.

Prestwick Care said it had suspended all new arrangements with BGM Consultancy.

The broadcast also raises issues about short staffing highlighting one nurse providing care for 54 residents with the support of a team of care workers.

The Home Office said it had prevented Prestwick Care, which is part of the Malhotra Group, from using the immigration system since 6 December, 2022 and had fully revoked its licence on 29 November 2023.

Prestwick Care told Panorama any suggestion there had been systematic wrongdoing or bad practice, was unfair and inaccurate.

It said the safety and wellbeing of staff remained paramount and that it was “fully committed to thoroughly investigating all concerns raised, and taking appropriate actions as necessary”.

Kathryn Smith, chief executive of the Social Care Institute of Excellence, said:  “We are deeply concerned regarding reports shared in BBC Panorama’s investigation alleging that people experienced neglect and substandard care when at their most vulnerable.  While there are many care homes providing care in a safe environment, sadly not all do, and the goal has to be that every care home resident is kept safe from harm, neglect and abuse as a bare minimum, and receives caring, compassionate treatment.   

“The ’leaky bucket’ of the social care workforce, with supply insufficient to meet the demands of care, is widely recognised – overseas recruitment is an important consideration, but care homes must ensure they have safe and supportive recruitment practices.  Actions such as improving pay and working conditions, as proposed in the recent Skills for Care report, need to be put into place swiftly. Evidence, including from the Care Quality Commission, shows that good leadership and a strong culture that values staff and gives them time to listen to residents are essential to deliver better and safer care.  

“It’s essential that all care homes ensure they have safe and supportive recruitment practices, both overseas and at home. Staff should be provided with ongoing skills training necessary for their caring roles. They should also have information about external support agencies to contact for advice and guidance. 

“Care settings need to have a safeguarding culture that is open and supportive so that employees feel confident in raising concerns and asking questions when unsure, without any repercussions for them, and residents feel safe in their home.  Every care home needs to review their safeguarding practice on a regular basis, and we urge them to seek help when they need – we are here to support any care home or provider requiring support to improve in this area.”