CQC raises concerns about Liverpool nursing home rated 'requires improvement'
A Liverpool nursing home has been graded as ‘requires improvement’ after its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Walton Manor Residential and Nursing Home, located on Luton Grove, is run by Qualia Care Limited and supports older adults living with dementia and disabilities.
The CQC carried out unannounced visits on June 5 and 6, with 41 people living in the home at the time. Walton Manor received an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’, and the same score for ‘safe’ and ‘well led’. It was rated as ‘good’ for the ‘effective’, ‘caring’ and ‘responsive’ categories.
According to the CQC, the provider “was in breach of the legal regulations relating to people’s safe care and treatment and governance systems”. They added: “We shared our concerns with the management team during the assessment. They were receptive to our feedback and promptly addressed some of the issues identified.”
The inspection report, published on August 8, detailed how Walton Manor Residential and Nursing Home had “a committed staff team who were able to demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding and person-centred care” with systems in place for supervision, safeguarding, incident reporting, and reflective practice.
The CQC continued: “The provider's response to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) was appropriate, with staff demonstrating understanding of principles such as the importance of least-restrictive options.
“Community links and wellbeing were promoted through visits from entertainers and local groups, and staff were encouraged to support people’s independence and preferences. Activity provision and coordination was praised, with evidence of creative, personalised engagement from the activity coordinator.”
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There was recognition of a “compassionate, respectful culture”, though the CQC said this was not always reflected in its observed practices. It said: “For example, food waste stored inappropriately near dining areas and soiled personal items in communal spaces.
“Staff told us about time pressures that limit care plan reviews and documentation and felt risk assessments lacked clarity on risk levels.”
The CQC continued: “Despite structured and regular audits being in place, we found a gap between good leadership intentions and operational delivery in key areas, particularly around infection control, medication safety, environmental risks, and record keeping.
“Some safety hazards had not been identified by audits, and governance systems were not always effective in driving improvements.”
In terms of people’s experience of Walton Manor Residential Home, the CQC said most feedback reflected a “generally positive experience of care and support”. Several people described staff as, ‘lovely’, feeling, ‘very content’ and being ‘looked after wonderfully’.
The CQC said: “People said they felt safe, supported to maintain independence, and comfortable raising concerns. Relatives described the home as having a ‘family atmosphere’ with ‘dedicated and compassionate staff’. One relative described the home as ‘phenomenal’ and said staff go ‘above and beyond’.”
Some people and their relatives raised issues around cleanliness and hygiene in bathrooms and individual bedrooms. One relative said, “I have to tell them [Name’s] room needs to be cleaned.”
Some relatives expressed dissatisfaction with coordination of external healthcare appointments and inconsistent communication.
Qualia Care Limited has been approached for a comment.