Rated Inadequate

An Inadequate rating is the CQC’s strongest public signal. The service is placed in special measures, the provider is told exactly what must change, and inspectors return within six months. If it has not improved by then, the CQC can cancel its registration.

That does not always mean people were harmed. Read the report: some Inadequate ratings follow a serious incident, others follow a long slide in records, staffing and leadership. Our explanation on each service page lists the specific breaches and the enforcement taken, with the inspectors’ own words.

If a relative is already there, ask the manager what the improvement plan says and when the next inspection is due. If you are choosing, it is reasonable to wait for the re-inspection.