Sad to hear care home is closing

I was the manager there until March, 2015. I spent 12 wonderful years there, it was more than just a job, it was a home full of love and laughter.

The residents were well cared for and joined in the wonderful atmosphere and the staff many of whom have been there well over 10 years, are now sadly facing redundancies some moving to sister homes of the company.

I have made lifelong friends there and it was a unique place, full of loyal loving people, and we had the greatest connection with our residents and their families and friends.

The company was taken over in 2014 and things seemed to change.

Also I feel the CQC, who I know are there to safeguard, are responsible for demoralising the wonderful work done in the care sector, they are tick box people, they look at paperwork instead of listening to those that use the service, and they are ridged and have tunnel vision when it comes to these services.

I would like to use an example, I had a lady who was at the end of her life, maybe days to live, she wanted some water.

We knew if she drank the water she was at risk of coughing and choking, causing more distress so we got some thickener which made it easy and comfortable for her to drink.

The inspectors happened to turn up, they saw the thickener in her room, but because it had not been hers personally, or prescribed they criticised us and downgraded us, they were not humane enough to understand the rationale as to why we gave her the thickened fluids.

A dying woman, to them, should have had an assessment by the speech and language team, that at that time had a six-month waiting list. Tell me who is right.

Be aware with CQC reports you need to read between the lines.

Common sense is something you cannot now use in the care sector, paper work now takes the time that should be spent with your loved ones.

I would like to say to the wonderful staff at St Pauls well done for your loyal compassionate care, you have helped to bring comfort to many and stood by the families and friends of those in your care.

It’s an end of an era, good luck and thanks for your friendships. God Bless.

Linda Astell

London Road
St Leonards

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