A care home in Suffolk has failed to provide adequate care to its patients, highlighted by a recent Care Quality Commission report. Mildenhall Lodge, run by Care UK, failed to provide satisfactory care in four out of five of the key standard categories. Problems included serious staff shortages and the insufficient monitoring of diabetic patients.  One Green and independent group leader on Suffolk County Council, Mark Ereira-Guyer, said that the care provided by the home was “treachery” to vulnerable people.

Care UK home opened the care in June as part of a £60m investment into ten new care homes. The county council transferred sixteen of its homes to Care UK in 2012. 

Poor care of diabetic patients

Shortly after Mildenhall Lodge opened, the CQC carried out an inspection which found that urgent action was required in the care and welfare of its residents.  Staffing levels, record-keeping and the assessment and monitoring of patients were all not up to the correct standard.  The report particularly stressed the poor care of diabetic patients, with some having to wait for 20 minutes after ringing their assistance bells.

Caroline Roberts, Care UK's director of quality and governance, said: “We fully take on board the CQC's comments and want to apologise to residents and their families.  We are confident the care will soon be of the high standard residents are entitled to expect.”

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