SIX months after a Tywyn nursing home was declared a “service of concern” inspectors have found that little has been done to protect the elderly residents from harm.

Inspectors have once again expressed concern about various issues at The Bay Nursing Home, which is registered for 30 residents and is owned by JSB Healthcare Limited.

Following a visit by the Care Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) in April 2017, it was agreed that no further admissions be accepted until inspectors were satisfied that the risks to people’s health and well-being had been fully satisfied.

That remained the position after a follow-up inspection in July last year, but the latest CSSIW report, which has only recently been published, reveals that in October there were still 13 cases of non-compliance with regulations.

They covered issues including assessment of people’s needs, medication management, maintaining an odour-free environment, effective leadership and management and completion of fluid intake charts.

The report, which follows further unannounced visits in October, states: “Since our previous inspection on 23 June, 2017, and 4 and 19 July 2017, there has been little progress in the service’s ability to meet regulatory requirements and to protect residents from harm.

“This is largely due to lack of robust management and a significant shortage of permanent nursing staff. Lack of guidance for staff continues to place residents at risk and adversely affects staff morale.”

A new manager appointed after the July visit has since left and the deputy manager has also gone, but a new interim manager was appointed.

The inspectors praised the “warm, supportive and friendly” staff but found they were not kept fully informed about people’s needs or what action was needed of them.

Under the heading of ‘Environment’, the report states: “People do not live in a clean, homely environment and there was not sufficient ongoing investment in the premises to make sure the furniture, fittings and fabric of the building are of a reasonable standard. Sufficient measures are not in place to make sure the premises are clean.”

Referring to the 13 non-compliance notices issued after the previous visit, the inspectors say: “The registered persons have not addressed these sufficiently to achieve compliance.”

The home relies heavily on agency staff who are not known to the residents and residents said they had to wait for staff to attend to their care needs in the morning and evening.

“In light of the findings,” says the report, “we judge that the home continues to be managed without sufficient care, competence and skill although some steps have been taken to rectify the situation.”

The registered persons are not yet able to demonstrate that people receive quality care from a service which sets high standards for itself, is committed to quality assurance and constant improvement.

“We will continue to monitor progress following the appointment of the new interim manager at future inspections.”

The home owners did not respond with a comment.