A RESIDENTIAL care home in White Colne has failed to improve standards after being criticised by watchdogs in previous reports.

Chalkney House, on Colchester Road, was rated as ‘requiring improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission after an unannounced inspection.

It is the third time the care home has been told to improve in as many inspections.

A previous report said not all residents were provided with the support they needed to experience a “comfortable and dignified pain-free death”.

The inspection had five key areas of assessment.

Chalkney House failed to score anything more than ‘requires improvement’ and was rated ‘inadequate’ for leadership.

The Care Quality Commission report says: “There were systemic failings at the service.

“Concerns raised during the previous inspection had not been effectively addressed.

“The provider did not have effective systems and processes in place that enabled them to identify, monitor and assess risks to the health, safety and welfare of the people who use the service.

“Where risks had been identified, measures had not been introduced to remove the risk within a timescale that reflected the level of risk or the impact on people using the service.

“The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve.

“At this inspection not enough improvement had been made and the provider was still in breach of regulations.”

The report does highlight some positive aspects.

It says: “Staff were instinctively caring and understood people’s needs. People’s health was well managed, and staff had positive relationships with professionals which promoted people’s wellbeing.”

Chalkney House is run by Sohal Healthcare.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “Sohal Healthcare works openly and transparently with the CQC to remedy any actions highlighted from inspections.

“This inspection took place only ten days after the home’s new manager was in post.

“The issues raised were environmental and the new manager is working diligently on these, with a majority already completed.

“Chalkney House is a caring, welcoming home with a long-standing staff team who were praised in the report for their care, support and knowledge of the residents living there.

“The home continues to have new residents placed in the service which is a good indication that the home remains a safe and caring option for people requiring residential care.

“The home is working closely with the placement team and other outside professional bodies in the placement of new residents to the service.

“The report clearly states that residents needs are met and that the home is actively working towards a ‘good’ rating in its next inspection.”

Essex County Council said it was working with the home to oversee necessary improvements. A spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of residents is our paramount concern.”