A CARE home has been ordered to improve after inspectors found residents’ mental healthcare needs were not being met.

Clifton Lodge, in Westcliff, has been rated as “requires improvement” by the Care Quality Commission in its latest report.

The home, run by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), was rated as requires improvements in all categories apart from service care, which was rated as good.

The report, published on the CQC’s website, said: “One person’s care records made reference to them being at risk of pica. This is an eating disorder where someone eats non-food substances which can be harmful.

“Although there was no evidence to suggest there had been any incidents, there was no guidance for staff on how to keep this person safe.

“Two members of staff were observed to mobilise one person from a dining chair to a wheelchair. The person was placed at potential risk of harm as one member of staff placed their hands under the person’s armpits when assisting them to mobilise.”

The CQC also found that principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the framework for carers making decisions on behalf of people who lack the mental capacity, were not always applied.

Inspectors said: “Bedrails were fitted to prevent a person from falling out of bed and alarm mats to alert staff if a person was mobilising but were at risk of falls.

“Interventions to manage these had not been documented to evidence these had been made in agreement with the person using the service and their best interests considered.”

Despite the issues, the CQC praised the staff’s training and attitude.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of EPUT, said: “While the overall rating is disappointing, we are already addressing the issues identified in the report and it is pleasing that the service has been rated as ‘good’ in regards to Caring. This is the first inspection of Clifton Lodge under the CQC’s care home inspection regime and we are determined to build on it to ensure the service meets the CQC standards.”