A NURSING home in Colwyn Bay was found to have made significant steps forward during a follow-up inspection, having received a scathing report earlier in the year.

Eithiniog, a Leonard Cheshire-run, 42-person home for adults with physical disabilities on Old Highway, was told by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) that it found “significant, systemic failings” during its visit on July 7.

But when CIW returned on October 23, the organisation noted “many positive improvements”, and ruled that it had achieved the aims of all nine priority action notices issued to it previously.

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Colwyn Bay care home accused of ‘systemic failings’ in scathing report

Though, Eithiniog was given a new area for improvement following this inspection, namely ensuring that all staff are aware of its residents’ prescribed diets.

An interim manager is now in place at the home, the CIW report stated.

Extracts from the CIW report, published yesterday (December 11), read: “There is now good oversight of how the service operates.

“A range of audits, oversight by the new interim manager and the responsible individual (RI) and a range of management forums help to monitor and improve the operation of the service.

“Staff ensure people’s confidentiality and dignity is always protected.

“People receive care and support in a safe, clean, well equipped and maintained environment that meets their sensory and physical needs and investment in re-decoration/refurbishment is ongoing.

“Staff communicate with people in ways that meet their needs. People receive kind, respectful and compassionate care.

“Staff protect and respect people's privacy and dignity and there is enough staff to meet people's needs and keep them safe.

“People's care and support plans reflect their range of needs, and this promotes their well-being and enjoyment of life.

“People take part in activities and pursue interests that are tailored to them. Staff support has improved, and training is improving.”

In the August report, staff training and supervision at Eithiniog was said to require improvement, with the home using a high number of agency staff who do not always know the residents.

The nine priority action notices which the home had received covered issues such as the storing of confidential information, staff training, and a failure to communicate with residents respectfully.

CIW also found that almost all bedroom doors were left open, and repeatedly heard staff refer to residents by their room numbers, as well as having loud conversations in corridors.

In response to its latest report, a spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We are pleased the Inspectorate has recognised the extensive progress made to date at Eithinog.

“The comprehensive measures, including increased oversight and additional training, that we implemented in response to the regulator’s previous concerns have started to deliver widespread improvements.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation as we look to build on the success so far achieved.

“Everyone connected to Eithinog remains committed to getting the very best possible outcomes and quality of care for our residents. This remains our priority.”