A CARE home has been branded “Requires Improvement” after health inspectors discovered patients at risk and drugs mismanaged.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found staff shortages and record keeping in disarray at Brentwood Care Centre in Larchwood Gardens, Pilgrims Hatch.

The commission said the registered manager had “failed to ensure that all staff had the necessary, qualifications, skills and experience to care for people safely.”

The care home has been approached for comment.

CQC carried out the unannounced inspection in May, following “information of concern” regarding the safe care and treatment of patients.

A total of two inspectors visited, who found care plans were inadequately documented.

The report, published last month, said: “For example, we looked at the care records for one person on respite who was identified as at risk of malnutrition and was significantly underweight.

“The person had not been weighed regularly as prescribed in their care plan and record had not been completed.”

Staff told inspectors care plans for patients on respite – those who don’t live at the centre – were condensed and less detailed.

But because staff look after terminally ill patients, inspectors labelled the level of care unsafe.

The inspectors continued: “Medicines were not always managed safely.

“We became aware of mistakes which had occurred in the administration and management of people's medicines.

“Regular competency checks had not been completed for all nursing staff to monitor whether they had the skills to administer and record medicines safely.

“Staff had not always followed the provider's policy for correct administration of medicines which put people at risk. “We saw ineffective recording of the quantities of people's medicines.

“In addition the record-keeping for disposal of medicines was not up to date.

“We spoke with the unit manager of the nursing unit who advised that a monthly medication audit was due to be implemented by themselves but this had not yet happened as they were new to the service.”

The care home has since told the CQC the home is under new management and taking positive steps to address breaches of conduct.