Southport Care Home placed into special measures after serious failings

A Care Home, in Southport, Merseyside, which had previously been rated as:- "Good" in 2027, by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), but has now been re-rated as:- "Inadequate" following an inspection by the watchdog.

Residents at:- Ellerslie Court, on:- Westcliffe Road, were discovered to have been regularly falling, and were not being moved to manage the risk of bed sores and other skin issues. The inspection also found that 1 resident had been left sitting in a wheelchair for around 5 hours.

More shocking was that another resident was said to have fallen 26 times, at the home which is said to have been last refurbished back in 2018, and caters for offering respite care, and those with physical disabilities.

Within the report, it stated that the falls had not been reported to a local safeguarding team, and they also discovered risk assessments had not been completed to reduce the risk of repeated incidents. It also stated that 5 of the falls had resulted in:- "significant injuries."

Following the inspection that took place in:- February and March, Karen Knapton of the CQC has publicly stated that they found the poor quality of care at the home was the result of:- "chronic understaffing and poor leadership."

Staff are reported to have told CQC Inspectors that there were not enough workers to respond to the needs of residents.

The report stated that the:- "deterioration" in standards had resulted in an over-reliance on agency workers. This had led to a:- "poor culture" of working practices. Additionally, the CQC found some agency staff had been given inductions by unqualified staff, which had led to people receiving unsafe care.

Amongst the many issues, CQC Inspectors also found 8 residents hadn't received their prescribed medication, placing them at risk of harm. Also, bedding in the home was found to be dirty. They also added a note that the building had a:- "strong smell of urine throughout."

CQC's Ms Knapton has stated that she would not hesitate to take further action if:- "rapid improvements" are not made.

The 14 room Vitalise Ellerslie Court, which is privately owned by Lotus Care Management Services Ltd, has now been placed in special measures. This means the CQC will closely monitor its efforts to improve.

Amateur artists asked to come up with fresh take on famous British Railways posters in new competition

ARTISTS of all ages, who can help Northern celebrate two centuries of railway history and promote tourist destinations in the North of England, are being encouraged to enter a new competition.

They are being asked to come up with a fresh take on the famous British Railways posters produced between:- the 1920s and 1950s.

The deadline for submissions is:- Monday, 25 August 2025, and the winning entries will be displayed at stations across the North of England.

The competition is part of Railway 200; the nationwide celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.

Bradley Hayes, campaigns manager for Northern, said:- "We are looking for bold and evocative artwork, in the style of the classic British Railways posters. They should celebrate at least one of the fantastic destinations you can travel to by train in the North or some of the stunning landscapes passengers are able to enjoy. From trains travelling over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales, to Blackpool Tower and the bridges of Newcastle; there are plenty of sources of inspiration."

A panel of judges appointed by Northern will select the winners and each entry will be judged on its creativity, originality, visual impact and relevance to the theme.

There are three categories for entry:- children under 12, young people between:- 12 to 17 and adults (18+).

Entries must be sent; as a high resolution digital file, in A3 size (297mm x 420mm) and portrait orientation; to:- DesignComp@NorthernRailway.Co.UK.

The winners will be notified via email by the 1st week of September.