Matlock care home rated inadequate after bullying reports

A care home has been put into special measures after inspectors found evidence of bullying and verbal abuse.

The Care and Quality Commission said Masson House in Matlock, Derbyshire, had developed a "poor culture" and has suspended the provider's registration.

Its report also showed some residents' mental health was not properly assessed and areas of the building were unsafe.

The county council said residents were being supported but could not confirm reports the home had closed entirely.

Masson House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 17 people, aged 18 and above.

The service was previously rated "good" in 2018, the second highest rating of four possible ratings.

Inspectors have now rated the home inadequate in all criteria, including being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

During the inspections in August and September, inspectors found staff levels were sometimes too low, a laundry room had visible mould, protections against legionella were sub-standard and prescribed medicines were not managed safely.

Greg Rielly, CQC deputy director of operations in the Midlands, said a "poor culture" had developed at the home.

"It was very concerning that some people had experienced verbal abuse and bullying from a staff member which is totally unacceptable in a place they call their home.

"This had been reported to the manager, but nothing had changed, and it hadn't been referred as a safeguarding issue to the local authority.

"We also saw some unsafe areas of the home where people could be harmed, for example, several hot water outlets including showers weren't temperature controlled which placed people at risk of scalding.

"It was upsetting to hear people say that they often felt cold in the home and had to sit with double jumpers on or blankets over their legs."

Additionally, the safeguarding policy was not readily available, there was not an appropriate fire risk assessment and staff records were incomplete.

The report said: "People had not been appropriately assessed to determine if they had the mental capacity to consent to live at the care home.

"People were effectively deprived of some aspects of their liberty, but the provider had not applied for authorisation from the relevant local authority.

"One person told us they did not want to live at Masson House but there was no evidence found that they were being supported to move to a different care home."

The CQC has suspended the provider's registration until 2 February 2024, meaning it cannot effectively give care services.

However some online care listings are now showing it as permanently closed.

A spokesman for the county council said: "We are aware that the CQC has suspended the care provider's registration until 2 February 2024 following concerns raised during a recent inspection.

"We understand this is distressing for residents and their families and we have fully supported them to find new accommodation."

Masson House, which is privately run, has been approached for comment.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].