[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated two specialist care services in New Romney, Kent, inadequate, following inspections which took place in May.

Stepping Stones is a residential care home providing personal care to four adults with a learning disability or autistic people. Cranmore is a residential care home providing personal care to six people with a learning disability, autistic people, or those with complex needs.  Both services are owned by Flarepath Limited.

Following the inspection, CQC imposed urgent conditions upon both services. The conditions restrict new admissions into the services and require the management to ensure their infection control practices are immediately improved.

At Cranmore, the provider must also ensure that they effectively manage risks in relation to any potential safeguarding issues, and assessments must be carried out to ensure the environment is safe for its intended purpose. This includes the safe storage of fire extinguishers and trip hazards.

Deborah Ivanova, CQC deputy chief inspector for people with a learning disability and autistic people, said: “The reports for Stepping Stones and Cranmore make for distressing reading. Clearly neither service is meeting the underpinning principles of right support, right care, right culture or providing people with safe care.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]