Scandal-hit Walsall firm Caremark ordered to improve by health watchdog

Caremark, which serves Walsall and Wolverhampton, is falling below standards in four out of five key areas, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has said.

The service caters for dozens of people across the two areas providing care in their own homes.

Inspectors went into the branch based at Planetary Business Park, Wolverhampton, on February 7 and 8.

The visit took place several weeks before a national newspaper exposed some employees allegedly performing lewd sex chats from their desks, thought to be concerned with the firm's sister office in Walsall.

The watchdog declared Caremark 'requires improvement' in safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership.

In terms of safety, the report states: "The service was not consistently safe.

People told us they did not always receive their care visits at the required times but there were sufficient numbers of care staff available.

"The registered manager was not always able to confirm people had received their medicines as prescribed.

People were protected by a staff team who could describe the signs of potential abuse.

"However, concerns about people were not always reported by staff."

Similar concerns were flagged around the firm's ability to respond to clients' needs.

Chris Williams, managing director, Caremark (Wolverhampton & Walsall), said: "The CQC report covers an inspection in February this year and is not connected to recent events in the business.

"We received the comments from the CQC after the inspection and with their help have identified the specific areas where we fell short of our good standards from previous inspections.

"We have agreed an action plan which the CQC, which will be complete by May 3.

"This will enable us provide an excellent service to our customers.

"The plan includes some staff changes and ensuring our quality assurance system is robust."