The provider of the Wirral based Mother Redcaps Care Home has been ordered to pay £90,000 in fines and costs relating to breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Mother Redcaps Care Home Limited was found guilty on two charges at Wirral Magistrates’ Court: failing to make arrangements for the recording, handling, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines, and failing to ensure the appointment of a registered manager in compliance with the condition on the certificate of registration.

The company, which manages the 51-bed Mother Redcaps Care Home, Lincoln Drive, Wallasey, had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by the Care Quality Commission.

On inspection in October 2014, CQC found the home was failing to treat people with respect, meet people’s needs, keep people safe and effectively manage the home. However, the home was inspected in January 2015 and was found to be compliant with an earlier warning.

The charges relate to evidence found by CQC inspectors during unannounced inspections between April 2011 and April 2013.

The court heard that the home had failed to heed the advice and guidance from a CQC Pharmacy Inspector on numerous occasions and after it was served two Warning Notices.

Following a hearing which lasted nine days, the company was found guilty and fined £20,000 on each charge. They have also been ordered to pay the Commission's costs of over £50,000.

Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care in the North said: “We have continued to monitor the home along with our partners from Wirral Borough Council and we now have some confidence in the new Registered Manager. We hope these improvements can be sustained.

“We will continue to monitor this care home and will return unannounced in the near future to check that the required improvements have been made. We will not hesitate to take further action if that is required to protect the interests of the people who live here.”