A care home has been told it needs to improve by the healthcare watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also found Blackthorns, operated by Runwood Homes Limited, to be in breach of three regulations under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 for having insufficient staff, not providing safe care and treatment and care not being person-centred.

The residential service, in Dooley Road, cares for 57 people.

The report reads: “Staff told us that there was not enough staff to meet people’s needs.

“One member of staff said that in one part of the home there were a number of people who needed two staff: ‘There are 27 people being supported by three staff, it gets so stressful for us.

“‘There can be up to four people shouting to go to the toilet at the same time, it is not fair on us or on residents, extra staff would make such a difference’.

“We observed people calling out for staff later in the day, three people were calling out simultaneously but staff were already busy assisting other people.

“Staff looked distressed and one resident was shouting out, ‘Come to me.’

“We heard a member of staff say to one person who was calling out, ‘You are in my queue’.”

The report noted that some staff were working 15 hour shifts and some had not received enough training.

It continued: We observed a few people being moved in wheelchairs without foot plates and staff were not aware of the risks associated with this.

“This put people at risk of injury.

“One person’s bandaged foot was dragged along the floor.

“This did not keep this person safe and could potentially cause further damage to their ulcerated foot.”

It also highlighted a resident who was left in their wheelchair facing a wall for an hour after they had eaten with no staff members talking to them.

It continued: “Care plans were not always up to date and did not provide staff with sufficient guidance.

“This combined with a new staff team meant that individuals whose needs were more complex were at increased risk of poor care.

“Staff were generally caring but care delivery focused on the completion of tasks.

“The new manager was working to raise morale and develop staff skills but this was at an early stage of development.

“Medication administration practice did not always follow the recommended professional guidance.”

A spokesman for Runwood Homes Limited said: “During the last inspection undertaken in December 2015 the home acquired a Required Improvement outcome.

"Since the inspection the home has worked robustly towards an improvement plan and we are confident that the home has addressed many of the areas identified.

"We continually monitor and are supporting the service to achieve a good outcome at the next inspection."