A Maldon Care Home has been placed into special measures by the CQC after it was found to be providing an inadequate service, and breaching multiple legal regulations.

Elmcroft Care Home in Beckingham Court, Tolleshunt Major, was visited by the Care Quality Commission's inspection in May, the independent regulator of health and social care in England. 

The inspection found the care home to be 'inadequate' across all five areas: Safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

At the time, 46 residents, including people living with dementia or physical disabilities, were living at the home.

Notably, the report details how the care home was found to be "not safe" and "not caring", after multiple failures by the care home to provide complete risk assessments or effective safeguarding processes.

The director has since apologised for its failings, saying 'urgent whole-scale actions' have been implemented.

During the inspection, the CQC found "serious risks to people's safety, wellbeing, and human rights."

On more than one instance, proper post-fall observations were not completed, resulting in one person who sustained multiple rib fractures not having the extent of their injuries noticed. 

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Another person is reported to have sustained a fractured hip and unexplained black eye.

The report also outlines a "high level" of unexpected bruising and skin tears amongst people more widely, which were not sufficiently reported.

Serious incidents, including a suicide attempt, were not always reported to the local authority by leaders.

The report describes the Care Home is also described as understaffed, with staff regularly missing breaks and some routinely working 70-hour weeks.

One staff member was found asleep on duty during the inspection visit, despite being responsible for 1:1 care.

Another staff member, an acting manager, also reportedly entered the care home with Covid to collect a laptop - placing people living within the home at risk of acquiring infection.

Staff morale is described as "very down" in the report, with some reporting "bullying, harassment and racial discrimination by leaders."

Mark Cloonan, Director of Elmcroft Care Home Ltd, apologised for the failings, telling ITV: "We have implemented urgent whole-scale actions to remedy failings referred to in the report."

"This has included appointing a new management team at the home, and a new regional director.

"We are also working closely with the CQC... on bringing about root-and-branch changes to the home.

"This has included investing heavily in training for the team, adding subjects such as enhanced dementia, moving and handling, safeguarding, reporting and diversity training."