A CARE home has been criticised for having a lack of “consistent leadership and management” following a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The healthcare watchdog rated the Gracewell of Basingstoke, in Grove Road, with a “requires improvement” status, saying that the leadership of the service was “inadequate”.

The home, which is run by Gracewell Healthcare, was inspected over the three-day period from June 20.

The report, which was published on November 4, found that the home was on its fourth interim manager in 11 months and had a “high dependency” on agency staff to cope.

The report said: “People and staff were not actively involved in developing the service. People, their relatives and staff told us the current home manager was approachable and listened to their concerns, but these were not acted upon.”

During the visit inspectors spoke to residents and relatives and were told management had left people, relatives and staff feeling concerned about the quality of care provided in the home.

According to the report, one person said: “As soon as you think there is a manager who will sort things out they are moved on without an explanation. 

“One minute they’re here, the next they’re gone.”

Staff said the constant change of management was “demoralising” and “left them feeling as if they were not valued”.

The report continued: “The provider had not ensured that at all times there were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of people.

“Without exception people, their relatives, friends and staff told us there were far too many agency staff who did not know the people they were supporting.”

A spokesperson from Gracewell of Basingstoke said that the health and well-being of everyone they support is always the number-one priority.

He said: “Since the visit in June, we have appointed a new and experienced home manager and our regional management team is providing close support.

“In partnership with the CQC, we are implementing a thorough action plan which includes improved training, a robust recruitment programme to make sure residents benefit from permanent carers they know and trust, and are working to make sure the community meets the high standards we set for ourselves in all areas.

“We are continuing to work closely with residents and their loved ones so that everyone receives the high-quality care they expect and deserve.”