A South London care service has been blasted by an inspector after describing a patient as “vicious.”

Gevic Care Agency was handed a rating of “requires improvement” and told to make changes following visits by social care regulator the CQC in March and April. 

An inspector slammed the care provider, which helps people in their own homes, for using disrespectful language to refer to a patient.

The Lewisham-based agency was also criticised for failing to make staff take twice-weekly Covid-19 tests in line with government guidance. 

A CQC report published on May 17 reads: “People were not always treated with dignity and respect as care plans contained undignified language.

"One person’s care plan stated they ‘can become vicious’ during personal care.

"There was no information in the care plan about what staff could do to alleviate the person’s anxiety and distress during personal care. 

“People were not protected from the risk of harm as risks were not always identified or mitigated.

"The risks associated with people’s health care needs had not been assessed. Moving and handling tasks had not been assessed.

"Staff did not carry out COVID-19 tests according to current government guidelines.”

The care provider was criticised for failing to carry out risk assessments for patients who needed to be physically moved by staff.

An inspector said the design of one person’s room meant they couldn’t be safely moved with a hoist, despite their care plan directing staff to use one. 

The report reads: “The provider had not carried out moving and handling assessments for the people who needed to be transferred with the use of a hoist.

"Care plans did not contain information on the model or maintenance history of moving and handling equipment being used to ensure it was safe to use. 

“One person’s restricted environment meant staff were unable to safely use the hoist to transfer them from their bed as directed in the care plan.

"There was no information about this in their care plan to ensure staff were aware of the risks.”

Despite the failings found by the inspector, relatives of people looked after by the care provider said they were satisfied with the service.

The report notes: “Relatives of people told us their family member received safe care. Comments from people included, ‘I think they keep [my relative safe]’ and ‘I am sure they do everything properly.’”

Gevic Care Agency has been contacted.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.