Inspectors need proper care home experience

There were 19 unexplained deaths and five cases where neglect was proven.

In my opinion, the most worrying failure concerning the Orchid View debacle was not the performance of a minority of the staff working at the home, but that problems which had been identified were not dealt with effectively.

Indeed, the CQC must be applauded for noting its own failings in the case, which involved being too easily convinced by the reassurances of Southern Cross management and staff at Orchid View.

Andrea Sutcliffe, the chief inspector of adult social care, admitted that early warning signs had not been taken seriously enough.

A crucial point for me is that last year the CQC said that some inspection teams will also contain an expert with specific knowledge of care, for example in a hospice or a patient’s home. I have been concerned for some time that CQC inspections have often been carried out by people with no direct experience of the profession.

While I am sure that these individuals are capable, well meaning and professional, they are not always the best arbitrator of a care provider’s proficiency.

nspectors must know what to look for. Understanding how some care providers can hide the truth and getting beyond the written documentation to read between the lines. This ability is as much about instinct as professional diligence – and it’s an instinct that only comes through years of caring for the vulnerable.

Clearly there are very capable and adept inspectors who are not afraid to challenge and expose. We have been fortunate over the years at the Martlets where good inspectors have helped us improve our practice.

Sadly, this is not the case everywhere, with occasionally tragic consequences.

Of course, this change in CQC inspection procedure would have come too late for the residents of Orchid View.

My hope is that future CQC inspection teams will always include someone with years of front-line experience in the care industry.

Joseph Bower, care manager of Martlets Care

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