A Wallington nursing home is in ‘special measures’ after several concerns were raised by inspectors in a new report.

Tordarrach Nursing Home, in Hall Road, was rated ‘inadequate’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on April 13 after an unannounced visit in February.

A range of concerns were raised by the health watchdog which included two broken radiators, obtaining evidence staff had the right to work in the UK, and people 'not always' being treated with dignity and respect.

The report said: “Staff exposed parts of people’s bodies in the communal lounge when carrying out tasks such as hoisting and clinical procedures. A screen was not used to maintain people’s dignity.

“Staff had not always explored and maintained systems to help people express themselves. Information about people was not always stored in a way which ensured confidentiality.

“The provider had not ensured Mental Capacity Act (2005) assessments were decision specific in accordance with the Act.

“This meant the provider may have incorrectly determined people’s capacity in relation to key decisions and so may have prevented people making their own decisions in relation to their care.”

Lunchtime meals were shop-bought frozen food which was reheated on the day of the inspection, according to the report, which meant the quality of some meals ‘could be improved’, though the chef involved had a good understanding of people’s dietary needs and received updates if changes were necessary.

While there wasn’t always sufficient staff to support people ‘promptly’, according to the report, people were safeguarded from both abuse and improper treatment due to systems in place while medicine management systems were 'suitable'.

Now care home consultancy Fulcrum Care has become involved in order to improve standards following the inspection, while an independent review request has been submitted to the CQC.

A Tordarrach Nursing Home spokesman said: “The wellbeing of our residents, caring for them with kindness and respect and treating them with dignity remains our absolute priority.

“The service had been operated successfully by the present owners for over 25 years and has been a key facet of the local healthcare community.

“The management team had created and operated two other care services for over twelve years before they were successfully sold recently.

"Despite the concerns raised by CQC about the service at the last inspection, they state that systems were in place to reduce the risks of abuse to people and had suitable systems to manage people's medicines.

“CQC noted that people were supported by staff who received support in relation to their role and the home promoted open communications. CQC observed that staff supervision and training was up to date.”

The health watchdog will inspect Tordarrach Nursing Home again in six months while it is currently under review, provided its registration is not cancelled before then.

He added: “Our staff team has worked exceptionally hard to improve their skills and knowledge base though a comprehensive training programme. Relatives of our residents continue to place their trust in us with their loved ones.

“The home is continuing to work with the local authority [Sutton Council] and other multidisciplinary professionals to deliver high quality care.”

To see the full report, click here.