A care home is letting down some residents at the end of their lives, a care report has revealed.

Among a number of comments, from Care Quality Commission inspectors about the failing Chalkney House home, was “not all people using the service were provided with the support they needed to experience a comfortable and dignified pain free death”.

The home, off Colchester Road, White Colne, was visited by inspectors following five complaints, three safeguard alerts and two whistleblowers getting in touch.

Inspectors found the home “required improvement” when it came to safety, effectiveness, being caring or leadership.

It was rated “inadequate” at responding to concerns and was also in breach of the Health and Social Care Act.

Medicines were not managed properly and infection controls were poor.

The report stated: “The arrangements in place for the ensuring the premises were clean were not effective.

“The service did not work in accordance with best practice guidance or with other healthcare professionals to ensure proper systems were in place to provide palliative care.

“Staff were not knowledgeable about how to support people well at the end of their life.”

There was also a gap between care at the home and palliative care and hospices, according to the report.

At the time of the inspection there were 37 people in the home, out of a capacity of 47, which provides a combination of residential care and nursing care for dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Some of the staff at the home were praised for having a good understanding of safeguarding and for developing good relationships with residents.

Staff were also praised for their kindness by some of the people there and their families.

A spokesman for Chalkney House confirmed they would work with the commission on the criticisms but refused to respond further to the concerns raised.

Chalkney House was last inspected in 2014 when it also required improvement.