A WINCHESTER care home has come under fire from the Care Quality Commission following a surprise inspection.

The Old Parsonage in Otterbourne reportedly did not have a registered manager when inspectors turned up on June 9-10, and there was an insufficient number of nurses on the afternoon shift to meet all the residents' needs.

Four out of five assessed areas of care – safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led – required improvement according to the report which identified several areas of concern.

Inspectors noted that staff at the 28-bed Brendoncare home did not always store medicines away safely, potentially allowing unauthorised persons access to drugs, and that some were at risk of dehydration as food and fluid charts were not correctly completed.

There were reportedly trolleys and wheelchairs left in corridors – as a result of limited storage – which was “unsafe for people with reduced mobility or who were at risk of falls,” according to the report.

In total, inspectors identified four breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

But inspectors did note the good relationship staff had with residents, who were noted to promote kindness, and a good level of promotion for social activities, as well as the 'positive and open culture' of the home with the “family” feel.

Brendoncare have since confirmed they acknowledge the issues raised and will continue to improve the care provided.

They have confirmed a full review of their care planning and medication management is currently underway to address the actions required, as set out by the CQC.

Carole Sawyers, chief executive for Brendoncare, said: “We welcome the CQC’s feedback on how we can improve the services which we provide to our residents at The Old Parsonage. We are confident that the changes we are making will address the concerns highlighted and help us to continue to deliver the best possible care for people living there.”

Gerald Frizell, home manager, added: “We were delighted that the CQC confirmed that our standards of care in the home are good, and that our nursing staff are outstanding in their care and understanding of people’s needs. We continually seek to advance the quality of care at The Old Parsonage and are focused on the needs of the individual.”