Karrthikeya Health Care Limited rated inadequate by CQC

Following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in December, Karrthikeya Health Care Limited, a domiciliary care agency based in Newcastle, was found to have multiple failings in the care of people within their own homes.

The inspection was triggered by concerns about potentially unsafe staff recruitment.

Six breaches were identified, including failures around consent, safe care, safeguarding, staffing, fitness of employees and overall management.

All areas of the service were rated inadequate, including being safe, well-led, caring, responsive and effective.

Inspectors also found that the agency failed to properly investigate safeguarding concerns and other incidents.

Leadership at the service did not reflect an understanding of the diverse health needs of those in their care, leading to inflexible and unsupportive care delivery.

Staff were also criticised for failing to provide consistent care during transitions between services.

Decision-making involving service users was lacking, and staff did not address people’s needs in a timely or compassionate way.

The absence of a positive learning culture was highlighted, with inspectors noting a lack of staff training and regular appraisals, and insufficient understanding of people’s personal, cultural, social, and religious needs.

The CQC has placed Karrthikeya Health Care Limited in special measures and will continue to monitor the service closely.