Latest news with #NeilCox
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Unsafe' care home placed in special measures
A care home that failed to follow safety rules has been rated "inadequate" by inspectors and placed in special measures. Friary House, in Weymouth, Dorset, was previously judged to be "good" at its last Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2021. The CQC said the service was praised by residents, families and professionals, but poor record-keeping and regulation breaches made it unsafe. Owner Peter Fry, of Friary Care Ltd, apologised and said issues were being rectified. The CQC, which visited in February and March, said 16 older people were living at the home, some with dementia. A health professional told inspectors the home was "welcoming and homely" while a resident said: "I could not be in better hands." However, the CQC identified numerous system failures. There were insufficient risk assessments, care plans and incident reviews, inspectors said. The home did not provide consistent staff training or background checks, although turnover was low and agency workers were not used, the CQC added. Regional deputy director Neil Cox said: "We discovered that water hygiene risks, including those related to harmful bacteria such as legionella, hadn't been assessed. "A risk assessment was only carried out after our visit, uncovering urgent actions." However, inspectors said residents were treated with "kindness, empathy and compassion". One resident became mobile enough to spend Christmas at home with their family after asking to be taken to a weekly slimming club and given special meals, the CQC was told. The report added: "Professionals generally told us that the provider works well with them, contacts them and follows the advice they provided. "While people and relatives expressed a general satisfaction with the care, our assessment found elements of care did not meet the required standards." In a statement, Mr Fry said: "At Friary Care we pride ourselves on delivering the best possible care to our residents. "That is why we would like to sincerely apologise that, as an outcome of a recent CQC inspection, Friary House has been rated as inadequate. "Please be assured that Friary Care has already taken immediate action to rectify issues highlighted by CQC. "We would like to thank all of the residents, their families, staff, and all professional bodies for their words of encouragement and continued support." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Care Quality Commission Friary Care
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Unsafe' care home placed in special measures
A care home that failed to follow safety rules has been rated "inadequate" by inspectors and placed in special measures. Friary House, in Weymouth, Dorset, was previously judged to be "good" at its last Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2021. The CQC said the service was praised by residents, families and professionals, but poor record-keeping and regulation breaches made it unsafe. Owner Peter Fry, of Friary Care Ltd, apologised and said issues were being rectified. The CQC, which visited in February and March, said 16 older people were living at the home, some with dementia. A health professional told inspectors the home was "welcoming and homely" while a resident said: "I could not be in better hands." However, the CQC identified numerous system failures. There were insufficient risk assessments, care plans and incident reviews, inspectors said. The home did not provide consistent staff training or background checks, although turnover was low and agency workers were not used, the CQC added. Regional deputy director Neil Cox said: "We discovered that water hygiene risks, including those related to harmful bacteria such as legionella, hadn't been assessed. "A risk assessment was only carried out after our visit, uncovering urgent actions." However, inspectors said residents were treated with "kindness, empathy and compassion". One resident became mobile enough to spend Christmas at home with their family after asking to be taken to a weekly slimming club and given special meals, the CQC was told. The report added: "Professionals generally told us that the provider works well with them, contacts them and follows the advice they provided. "While people and relatives expressed a general satisfaction with the care, our assessment found elements of care did not meet the required standards." In a statement, Mr Fry said: "At Friary Care we pride ourselves on delivering the best possible care to our residents. "That is why we would like to sincerely apologise that, as an outcome of a recent CQC inspection, Friary House has been rated as inadequate. "Please be assured that Friary Care has already taken immediate action to rectify issues highlighted by CQC. "We would like to thank all of the residents, their families, staff, and all professional bodies for their words of encouragement and continued support." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Care Quality Commission Friary Care
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sauna now installed at popular cold water bathing spot
Cold water dipping is now so popular at Keeper's Pond that the site has attracted its own travelling sauna. Cold water enthusiast Neil Cox, decided to build 'Y Sawna' and offer it to fellow dippers at the blustery home of Gwent wild swimming. The Blaenavon site, nestled on the border between Torfaen and Monmouthshire, attracts year-round cold dippers. Y Sawna can fit up to six brave and shivering people to enjoy a post dip warm up and a chat. Brave bathers are drawn to the site's stunning views of the Sugarloaf, the Brecon Beacons, the extra chill in the rarefied air and the camaraderie of the cold water community. The wider area offers walks on the windswept high landscape, stunning views and UNESCO heritage site, Big Pit. Wild horses roam the Blorenge and there's always someone on hand for the newbies to nippy bathing. Other benefits include the site's safe reputation, coming as it does in a remote and wild location. There are no strong currents and Keeper's Pond and entry into the water is easy for beginners. However, the water temperature is certainly not for the faint of heart or raw beginners. Enthusiasts claim great benefits for cold dipping. Mental and physical benefits are always talked about when bathers chatter together. The late Dr Michael Mosley, who braved and researched all kind of new fad health treatments and tortures, said: 'It looks as if cold water treatment could be surprisingly powerful and long lasting. One study found that just six immersions in cold water produced a physiological effect which could still be seen over a year later.' Claims have been made that cold bathing boosts positive hormones such as dopamine and endorphins. A tiny bit of stressing the body is good for us, whereas chronic stress is bad and cold dipping is an effective treatment, Dr Moseley concluded. Studies have shown winter bathing can help manage stress, improve mood, reduce use of anti-depressants and help with inflammation. The cold community report post bathing highs, less stress, lower levels of upper respiratory tract infections and the benefits an all-round feeling of belonging to a community. Y Sawna boss, Neil recommends taking it slowly: 'Try a cold shower in the morning. It's a good way to begin and then you can build up from there if you feel like it. 'Safety is so important. Make sure you never wild swim alone. The Keeper's has no currents, but it is cold up there! There are risks of hypothermia and it is essential to know what you're doing and to do it with others who know what they are doing.' Next time you take a shower, why not save a bit on your heating bill and see if you can improve your health and your bank balance at the same time. Safety Tips Always begin slowly and consult a health professional if you have cardiovascular issues or are pregnant. Cold water and prolonged exposure can be very dangerous and cause hypothermia. Never swim alone, especially in wild bodies of water. Have dry clothes and a source of warmth after your dip.
South Wales Argus
01-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Keeper's Pond cold water bathers now have a wood-fire sauna
Cold water enthusiast Neil Cox, decided to build 'Y Sawna' and offer it to fellow dippers at the blustery home of Gwent wild swimming. The Blaenavon site, nestled on the border between Torfaen and Monmouthshire, attracts year-round cold dippers. Y Sawna can fit up to six brave and shivering people to enjoy a post dip warm up and a chat. Brave bathers are drawn to the site's stunning views of the Sugarloaf, the Brecon Beacons, the extra chill in the rarefied air and the camaraderie of the cold water community. The wider area offers walks on the windswept high landscape, stunning views and UNESCO heritage site, Big Pit. Wild horses roam the Blorenge and there's always someone on hand for the newbies to nippy bathing. Other benefits include the site's safe reputation, coming as it does in a remote and wild location. There are no strong currents and Keeper's Pond and entry into the water is easy for beginners. However, the water temperature is certainly not for the faint of heart or raw beginners. Enthusiasts claim great benefits for cold dipping. Mental and physical benefits are always talked about when bathers chatter together. The late Dr Michael Mosley, who braved and researched all kind of new fad health treatments and tortures, said: 'It looks as if cold water treatment could be surprisingly powerful and long lasting. One study found that just six immersions in cold water produced a physiological effect which could still be seen over a year later.' Claims have been made that cold bathing boosts positive hormones such as dopamine and endorphins. A tiny bit of stressing the body is good for us, whereas chronic stress is bad and cold dipping is an effective treatment, Dr Moseley concluded. Studies have shown winter bathing can help manage stress, improve mood, reduce use of anti-depressants and help with inflammation. The cold community report post bathing highs, less stress, lower levels of upper respiratory tract infections and the benefits an all-round feeling of belonging to a community. Y Sawna boss, Neil recommends taking it slowly: 'Try a cold shower in the morning. It's a good way to begin and then you can build up from there if you feel like it. 'Safety is so important. Make sure you never wild swim alone. The Keeper's has no currents, but it is cold up there! There are risks of hypothermia and it is essential to know what you're doing and to do it with others who know what they are doing.' Next time you take a shower, why not save a bit on your heating bill and see if you can improve your health and your bank balance at the same time. Safety Tips
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Portsmouth care service for vulnerable adults in special measures
A care service that supports vulnerable adults living in their own homes has been put under special measures after being rated "inadequate" by a staff at Radis Community Care, at Caroline Square in Portsmouth, were described as "rude" while others used "derogatory language", inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January and February report also showed risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing had not always been identified, with some users not receiving their medicines or being left without support to go to the Community Care said it had taken the findings "extremely seriously" and was working on a "robust and urgent improvement plan". The service was providing personal care to 27 people at the time of the inspection, which was the first under its current owner. 'Potential abuse not reported' Neil Cox, CQC deputy director of operations in the south, blamed "ineffective leadership" which had led to "a poor culture and shortfalls in the standard of care provided".He continued: "Staff didn't always recognise or report potential abuse and hadn't escalated safety concerns when they should, which put people at risk of harm."One person had lost consciousness during personal care on two occasions but this hadn't been reported. "Leaders didn't always investigate incidents or share learnings with staff to make improvements."He added staff had highlighted issues with "bullying" and "distrust". Paula Hoggarth, group operations director at Radis Community Care, said: "The safety, dignity and wellbeing of the people we support is - and always will be - our top priority."Since the inspection, we have been working closely with our internal quality and compliance team and external partners to deliver a robust and urgent improvement plan. "We are encouraged by the progress made over the past four months and have met the key improvement milestones set out by the CQC. "Record-keeping, reporting and day-to-day care oversight have significantly improved".The CQC issued four warning notices following the inspection to focus attention on making widespread improvements around safe care and treatment, consent, safeguarding and the management of the service will now be kept monitored to check sufficient improvements have been made. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
