MEDICINES were not always managed properly and some care plans were not accurate at a Basingstoke care home which has been told that it must improve.

Dashwood Manor, in Bradley Way, was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the first time in March. On May 4, a report into the inspection was published which rated the home as 'requires improvement'. 

The CQC said the home 'requires improvement' in three out of five areas inspected: safe, effective and well-led. It was graded as 'good' for caring and responsive. 

Inspectors from the health watchdog found that medicines, including controlled drugs, were not always managed according to guidance and legislation, and some risk assessments and care plans were not always accurate and contained inconsistencies. 

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The CQC identified that quality assurance measures in place were not always robust and some issues identified on inspection were not appropriately identified through the provider's audit processes.

The report said: "We found the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) were not always followed, for example in relation to care and treatment, medicines, and hourly welfare checks. People were not supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did not support them in the least restrictive way possible, and in their best interests."

The watchdog found identified breaches in relation to need for consent, safe care and treatment and good governance at this inspection, and has required the home to report an action plan. 

However, the CQC said that staff were "kind and caring" and observed staff being “patient and compassionate towards people”.

The report said: "The provider had robust recruitment systems to ensure staff were safely recruited. People and their relatives said the staff were lovely."

The home, which cares for up to 70 people, some of whom have dementia, is run by Care UK Community Partnerships Ltd. 

Christian Woolley, regional director, expressed that the team at Dashwood Manor were pleased they were recognised for their caring and responsive nature in their first CQC report.

He added: “We are committed to addressing the improvement points raised in the report and making appropriate changes, particularly where our record-keeping and administration may have let us down at the time of the inspection.

“Key changes have already been implemented, including working with a new pharmacy and putting additional support in place for the handling of medication.

“We will continue to ensure everyone at Dashwood Manor is supported to live a fulfilling life and we will work to prioritise the needs of residents and ensure it is a safe and supportive place for them to be.”