A care home in Liverpool has been designated for special attention after inspectors discovered mice living in mattresses and exposed wires posing a risk of electrocution to residents. The facility, Rodney House, was found to have residents living in extremely unsanitary and hazardous conditions, with holes in ceilings, exposed electrical wiring, and smoking occurring in communal areas and bedrooms resulting in significant damage from cigarette burns.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted an inspection in June and July, during which they found 48 individuals residing at the care home. Following the inspection, urgent action was taken by the CQC against the home, which is managed by EBS Services Limited. All residents have been relocated to alternative accommodations.
Specializing in providing assistance to older individuals, those with mental health conditions, and people with physical disabilities, Rodney House was rated inadequate by the CQC and remains under special measures. The CQC’s director of operations in the north, Karen Knapton, stated that the leadership failures at the care home led to a culture where residents did not receive the care they deserved, highlighting the unhygienic and unsafe living conditions.
The inspection report revealed an infestation of flies and evidence of mice activity within the building. Issues such as exposed wiring, damaged fixtures and fittings, dirty bedding, and lack of proper ventilation were also documented. The CQC identified eight breaches of legal regulations and imposed urgent conditions on EBS Services Limited, preventing the acceptance of new residents without prior consent.
Ms. Knapton emphasized that no one should endure such deplorable conditions, noting instances where residents had to wait excessively for staff assistance. The CQC will closely monitor the home to ensure rapid and extensive improvements are made, utilizing regulatory powers as necessary to enforce compliance.
