THE operator of a Poole care home has been told to take immediate action after inspectors identified a number of concerns.

Health and social care watchdog the Care Quality Commission made unannounced visits to Maidment Court in Parkstone Road, in February and found it was not meeting six government quality and safety standards.

Inspectors found shortfalls in the assessment and monitoring of risk, management of medication, monitoring of care needs, and record-keeping – including the daily intake of food and fluids for people at risk of malnutrition.

Ian Biggs, deputy director of CQC in the south said: “Maidment Court has not been able to demonstrate it was providing the care and treatment people needed. Records and plans of how to care for frail older people did not include clear information for staff.

“They were not reviewed and many were incomplete.

“There were insufficient staff to meet the needs of people living at the home. Medicines were not recorded and given as prescribed by doctors and the manager could not show they were effectively reviewing the service quality.

“Methodist Homes have assured us that they are taking action.

“Our inspectors will return in the near future and if we find the home is not making progress we will consider using legal powers on behalf of those living there.”

A spokesperson for Methodist Homes said: “Residents’ safety, security and well-being are our top priority.

“We take CQC’s report seriously and immediate management action has been undertaken to address the issues raised.

“Action taken includes thorough reviews and audits, recruitment of caring and competent individuals and further training.

“We will continue our efforts to ensure each aspect is fully addressed and will continue to strive even harder to maintain and improve the very high care standards that we have built so resolutely over the years.”