Failing care agency to close down, regulator says

A failing care agency will close down after a second consecutive inspection graded it inadequate.

Care Staff Services, based in Slough, Berkshire, was given the rating in the autumn and significant problems were found during a visit in January and February, with results published on Thursday.

A total of 108 people received care from the agency in their own homes but the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it was still leaving people at a "significant risk of harm".

The agency was contacted to comment.

The CQC said the company's "lack of robust and detailed medicines systems" put people it was caring for at "significant risk of harm, of experiencing pain and of a deterioration in their health and wellbeing."

A relative said they had raised issues with the agency but said dealing with it had been "like talking to a brick wall".

Another relative said carers often phoned the emergency services if there was an issue with the person's health.

"It happens far too often when all [family member] really needs is a bit of care," they said.

Inspectors found there was "little guidance" for staff for when emergency services should be called and when other services might have been more appropriate.

Amy Jupp, the CQC's deputy director for adult social care in the South East, said leaders "didn't have a grip on the risks its services exposed people to and the impact this had on the experience of people relying on it for their care."

She added: "Care Staff Services Ltd have informed us they are closing the service. [Slough Borough Council] is working to ensure people have alternative care providers in place.

"The CQC will continue to monitor the service and work with stakeholders during this time."