AN impromptu inspection by the Care Quality Commission of Haslemere’s Chestnut View care home has seen the overall rating drop from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’.

Chestnut View provides nursing for up to 60 residents, including some with dementia. It is still judged good for caring but fell short for the safety, effectiveness and responsiveness of it’s service, and also “lacked leadership”, said inspectors.

The inspection was brought forward from the planned schedule following information received that the registered manager had left in December 2018 and the local authority had found some shortfalls and concerns during their visits.

CQC inspectors reported there was no interim leadership in place on their visit and some staff members were ‘not sure’ who was in charge.

The report stated: “Service commissioners told us about the impact of having no registered manager. For example, the home had not participated in the NHS quality incentive scheme.

“The local authority had, on two occasions, cause to visit to check on quality this year and had recommended improvements.

“We saw that action had and was being taken, but ongoing and robust management oversight was needed to ensure changes and standards were maintained.”

Inspectors found there were enough staff to keep residents safe but there had been a “recent high turnover” of care staff and there was an “ongoing need to recruit”.

Chestnut View is “working hard” to maintain the effectiveness of its service, the report continued, but it was found to be inconsistent.

Inspectors reported that those living with dementia did not appear to be given a choice of food at lunch time.

They were told there was a meat dish and a vegetarian option and residents chose their meal the day before. But were concerned those with dementia might not remember what they had ordered.

Inspectors rated the home good for caring, reporting they saw “good examples of kind and compassionate care”, but added “people were not always well supported in all areas of the home”.

CQC reported the service was not responsive enough and some people’s personal needs and preferences “were not always known or met”.

In May, Chestnut View celebrated becoming one of 19 care homes owned by The Future Care Group with a ‘new vision’ plaque.

Responding to the CQC report, Future Care Group marketing manager Aileen Nimmo said: “Through the dedication of our staff our home remains good in caring.

“Our company is committed to continuously support the new home manager and his team and to ensure good outcomes for our residents and their loved ones.

“In line with our core values; care, comfort, compassion and credibility, we have an open door policy and invite everyone to come and visit and see first-hand what a lovely home Chestnut View is to live in.”