Families praise the quality of '˜inadequate' home's care

Family members have spoken out to defend the quality of care provided by a Hartlepool home rated inadequate by inspectors.
(left to right) Liz Carroll, Chris Gallagher, Margaret Laycock and Gillian Barratclough outside of Clifton House, Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID(left to right) Liz Carroll, Chris Gallagher, Margaret Laycock and Gillian Barratclough outside of Clifton House, Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID
(left to right) Liz Carroll, Chris Gallagher, Margaret Laycock and Gillian Barratclough outside of Clifton House, Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID

Clifton House Residential Care Home was given the rating by the Care Quality Commission in a report published last week after an inspection in February.

But a number of family members of residents have praised the home and its staff describing the care given to their parents as “second to none”.

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Clifton House, in Clifton Avenue, was inspected by the CQC shortly after its numbers doubled as a result of two other homes in Hartlepool being forced to close.

The CQC said during the time of its inspection there were not enough staff deployed to ensure people received the care they needed in a timely manner and new staff were recruited without the required checks being carried out first.

Other shortcomings included care plans not being up to date as evaluations were overdue.

Liz Carroll, whose mum Margaret Storr, 92, passed away in Clifton House last Thursday, said: “Due to a large influx of residents when other homes closed in January, numbers went from 13 to 27 in the space of two weeks, some with very complex needs.

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“Throughout all that time the care my mum received was second to none and she was very much loved.

“The CQC have identified some issues which can be rectified quickly and appropriately. I always found Clifton House to be safe and respectful.”
Gillian Barratclough, whose 94-year-old mother Peggy Readman is a resident, said: “In essence the care, particularly the staff, are an asset to Clifton. They are extremely hard working and extremely caring.

“I have no qualms whatsoever about my mum being there. It would be a travesty if they weren’t given the support they really deserve.”

And Margaret Laycock, whose dad Alec Barnett, 95, lives there, added: “I just cannot fault them, the staff and management are wonderful.

“It is so homely but at the same time very professional.”