Charity makes official complaint against damning CQC inspection

Following an unannounced visit last December, inspectors had major concerns around restraint procedure at the charity’s five-bed care home for 18- to 25-year-olds at Hennel Lane, Preston.

Inspectors found that the use of restraint was not properly recorded or evaluated.

They were also concerned about the home’s assessment of young people’s needs and found that care plans "were limited". The inspectorate was also critical of the lack of involvement of young people and their relatives in care planning.

But in a statement Scope has confirmed it has made a formal complaint about the report, which was published earlier this month, and specifically the way inspectors assessed the use of restraint.

The charity said its procedures around recording incidents of restraint were based on advice from mental health and council experts and differ from CQC inspectors view on what information should be recorded.

Ruth Sutherland, executive director of services at the charity, said: "We are continuing to challenge the content of the report through CQC’s complaints procedure.

"As a charity, our number one priority at all times is the safety and welfare of the disabled people and their families that we support.  

"We are therefore extremely disappointed to see the result of CQC’s inspection of Hennel Lane, a service run by Scope, that supports young disabled people with challenging, unpredictable and volatile behaviour."

Sutherland did, however, acknowledge that there are improvements that can be made in the service.

Following the inspection, the charity said it has reviewed the home’s care plans and meetings are planned with families to ensure they are better involved.