A CARE home supporting elderly Islanders with dementia was forced to take action after an inspection found “immediate safety concerns”.
The Jersey Care Commission found an “improving picture” since a previous inspection at La Haule Care Home in St Brelade, but said “further improvements” were required to ensure safe medication practices and more consistent standards of care.
Tracey Gentry, clinical director at care home owners LV Group, told the JEP that an action plan was developed and implemented immediately following the inspection in February.
Inspectors published their report on the dementia care facility, which can accommodate up to 58 residents, this month. While all mandatory conditions of registration were met, five areas for improvement were identified – the same number as in the previous inspection.
The report highlighted particular concern around medication management at La Haule. Although some progress had been made, inspectors said there were still inconsistencies in records and administration.
Reviewers reported occasions when it was “unclear” if medication had been administered. On the day of the inspection, information from a verbal handover and written records was “conflicting” regarding whether medication had been given. Issues were also identified with transdermal patch records, expired medical items still being stored and medicines not being discarded within required timeframes. The Care Commission concluded that medication management did “not fully comply with legislative requirements, professional standards and best practice guidance”, leaving the issue unresolved from the previous inspection.
“There were some immediate safety concerns which the regulation officers highlighted to the registered manager for immediate action,” the report said. “Further work is required to ensure consistently safe practices regarding medication administration, recording and stock keeping, particularly in relation to pro re nata [as needed] medications, transdermal patches and transcribing.”
However, inspectors acknowledged improvements elsewhere. Staffing levels were deemed appropriate, recruitment processes were safe and staff qualifications met required standards. Employees also spoke positively about recent training, particularly in communication skills.
Feedback from professionals working with the home described management as “open, honest and caring” and willing to act on advice.
Relatives of residents largely praised staff, describing them as “friendly and kind”, with one saying: “The care is well organised; the staff work to a high standard.” But communication was highlighted as inconsistent, with some relatives saying that “information about medical appointment times was not always shared in a timely manner”. “It was also noted that occasional issues persist in relation to laundry items not always being returned correctly, despite this having been raised previously,” the report added. Inspectors also found that while care records were detailed in terms of physical needs, “information related to supporting emotional and social needs was variable and not sufficient”. This was flagged as an area requiring improvement to ensure more holistic care.
Environmental improvements had started at La Haule at the time of the inspection, including the refurbishment of one unit to better support residents with dementia. However, other areas of the home still needed attention, including décor, signage and staff facilities. Governance issues were also raised after required monthly quality reports were missing for parts of late 2025.
Despite the shortcomings, the Care Commission said there had been “some improvements” since the last visit, particularly in infection control and staff training.
Ms Gentry said: “We welcome the publication of the report and recognise the five areas identified as requiring improvement. These findings provide a clear and constructive framework for strengthening standards and ensuring the highest quality of care. We take all recommendations seriously and have already completed the review of the report in detail.”
The clinical director added: “Following the inspection, an action plan was developed and implemented immediately that addressed each of the identified areas. Our priority is to ensure that any necessary improvements are made promptly, transparently, and in a way that delivers lasting benefit for those who rely on our services.
“We remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Jersey Care Commission and other stakeholders to meet and exceed expected standards. The safety, dignity and wellbeing of those in our care continues to be our central focus.”
