Birdsgrove Nursing Home in Priestwood was visited by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission across a four-day period in February and was given the lowest rating available – inadequate – on its four-tier rating system when judged whether the service it provides is caring, effective, safe, responsive and well led.

The report, released in late April, says there are a number of ‘significant safety failings’ around the home, including a shortcoming of staff numbers to meet the needs of its residents.

Food nutrition was not always monitored well enough and inspectors observed that carers did not speak to residents with kindness and compassion, while their privacy was also not protected.

In a statement released by Aster Healthcare, which owns the nursing home, it said: “The report which has just been published relates to an inspection which took place in February 2015.

“Since that date we have implemented a comprehensive action plan to address any shortfalls identified in the service and many improvements have been made.

“In addition, the CQC carried out an inspection on 16 April 2015 to check our compliance and noted improvements had been made and stated that the home is safe.

“Our main priority is the well being and care of our residents and as such we are committed to continue to make any further improvements necessary to provide high standards of care.” In regards to the service’s safety, the cleanliness of the home was brought into question, while water temperatures were above the recommended limits during the inspectors’ visit.

A resident died in February from burns suffered in a bath at the home, due to the water temperatures being too high, while another resident died in January after part of the ceiling of her room collapsed onto her.

As a result of the inspection, the CQC has slapped two warning notices onto the nursing home, while it has also prevented new residents being registered at the home until it improves its cleanliness and safety.

Adrian Hughes, CQC’s deputy chief inspector for adult social care, said: “It is of paramount importance that people living in care homes are supported by staff who receive training and support which enables them to provide care which is always safe and of a high quality. The provider of Birdsgrove Nursing Home has failed to meet the fundamental aspects of good care that people have the right to expect.

“Southern Counties Care Limited, which owns Aster Healthcare, should undertake an immediate review of its service and use our inspection report to identify an action plan to deal with all of the areas of concern we have identified. We will inspect again and if action has not secured improvements we will have no alternative but to take further enforcement action.”