Excelcare has promised to act “swiftly and effectively” to tackle issues after its St George’s Court care home in Cambridge was rated Inadequate.

The care home, which was previously rated Good, was inspected by the CQC in June and July.

Gill Hodgson-Reilly, CQC deputy director, said: “We were disappointed to find leaders hadn’t made sure staff always had the skills, knowledge and confidence to support people’s needs and provide people with safe and dignified care.”

On the first inspection of the site an inspector observed a resident eating in their room with soiled bedding while a relative reported staff leaving soiled washing in the bin which they had had to remove.

In another incident, the CQC observed staff supporting a resident’s toileting needs without closing the door.

Excelcare’s response

In its response, Excelcare said it was “wholeheartedly devoted to swiftly and comprehensively addressing these matters”.

The company cited the implementation of new governance systems and workforce shortages as among the many challenges faced by the care sector.

Excelcare said it had taken on “significant” numbers of new staff at the home, including some who were entering the sector for the first time, as well as overseas workers, who had “required time for upskilling and strengthening relationships with the people living in our home and their families”.

The care home operator said its senior nursing team was “still working with the home on a daily basis to ensure these improvements are fully embedded”.

In addition, a dedicated support team has been appointed to rectify identified concerns and provided mentoring and training as well as leadership on new processes.

The company has also initiated an ongoing improvement plan including a “thorough internal review of compliance procedures and processes within the care home”.

“These measures will collectively ensure prompt resolution of any concerns highlighted at St George’s Court,” Excelcare added.