A DAMNING report into Athelstan House has been published by the Care Quality Commission which recommends the Malmesbury care home requires improvement in all areas.

The shocking report, published today, covers inspection visits held in May in which one member of staff told assessors, “We have been gagged not to say the truth”, about the care homes staffing levels, equipment and quality of food.

In total, 11 staff came forward to raise their concerns to inspectors from the CQC who found that services provided at Athelstan House were not safe, effective, caring, responsive or well-led.

The report said: “Not all staff said people were safe and that they did not always feel confident reporting their concerns to the management at the home.

“Three staff said they worried about people and one staff said, ‘I go home and I cry. I do not feel I do a good job. I feel guilty because I cannot do things properly.’

“Two staff said information about people's poor intake of food and fluid was relayed to senior staff but ‘nothing is done. Nobody [senior and above] checks the charts.’

The Care Quality Commission has recommended action for Athelstan House, which is run by the Order of St John’s Care Trust (OSJCT) to take.

Assistant operations director Aaron Whitehead from OSJCT said: “We accept the findings of the report.

“Following on from the inspection and prior to publication of this report, we appointed a new management team, both at Home Manager and Area Manager level, to address the concerns raised by the inspectors. 

"We are working closely with the CQC to address all of the issues highlighted in their report in a timely fashion.

"Residents and their relatives have been reassured that their loved ones are safe and well cared for at Athelstan House and we encourage them to talk to the Home Manager at any time if they have any concerns.”