UNISON condemns proposed cuts to care home inspections

UNISON has warned that changes to the inspection regime for care homes will put the lives of elderly residents at risk.

Joint union research, backed by investigations by the BBC's Today Programme, raises growing concerns about the care inspection regime.

Excessive budget cuts and the reduction in the number of inspections have been identified as key areas of concern.

And UNISON's members, already "stretched to the limit", fear the effects of a further drain on resources.

Following two reorganisations in six years, care home regulation is to be reorganised again. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is to merge with the Healthcare Commission, which inspects hospitals, and the Mental Health Act Commission.

Today the CSCI was condemned as "toothless" and "worse than useless" in a BBC report, by the coroner of the Isle of Wight, John Matthews.

UNISON's officer for social care, Helga Pile, commented: "This survey reinforces what UNISON has long feared. The government needs a dramatic rethink before further changes to adult social care inspections are introduced.

"Currently it runs the risk of carrying outstanding problems into a new system and seeing vulnerable residents left to suffer in silence."

The research showed that current high-pressure workloads are already leading to compromises in inspections, as staff have no time to follow up problems.

Budget and staffing cuts have led to a more hands-off approach to complaints, leaving inspectors with little choice but to direct residents with grievances back to their providers.

This means that inspectors miss out on vital knowledge on conditions of care, and vulnerable residents feel let down, with nowhere to turn for help.

"Our members tell us they are already stretched to the limit, so a proposed 40% reduction of resources will pose a major risk to the safety and wellbeing of residents," said Ms Pile.

UNISON is calling on the government to support an adequate budget to maintain standards of service, and reconsider the reduction in inspection frequencies, taking on board the views of the staff involved.

http://www.unison.org.uk