A WIRRAL care home has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the fifth time after "serious concerns" were raised about the safety of residents.

Sandrock Nursing Home in Wallasey has previously been rated inadequate four times and was placed in special measures by the CQC in April 2021.

In a new report, published on January 17 after an inspection in November 2023, the CQC confirmed that there "continues to be a breach of the regulations and evidence of non-compliance" at the home.

The report said: "With the provider's poor regulatory history and repeated concerns from the past four inspections, we could not be assured that the quality of the service would improve in the areas identified at this inspection.

"During this inspection, the provider neglected the premises people lived in placing them at risk of harm.

"We found a series of concerns relating to the health and safety of both the inside and outside of the premises and regarding to poor management of infection control".

The report outlined that "some of the bedroom fire doors did not close against their rebate" and "fire exits were not clearly identified in the garden courtyard and in the main lounge". 

It also highlighted that "there was a strong malodorous smell in one toilet that needed thorough cleaning" and "several areas of the service were unclean and had a build-up of grime, dirt, and cobwebs".

The overall rating for this service is 'inadequate' and the service therefore continues to be in 'special measures'.

A warning notice has been served by the CQC and the provider is required to become compliant with Regulation 17, section 17, (1) (2) (a) (b) (c), of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

Sandrock Nursing Home was contacted for a comment but did not respond.

A spokesperson for CQC said: "Following our latest inspection, we served a warning notice on this provider. This warning notice gave the provider a month to make the necessary improvements and we will return to check these have been made.

"If the provider fails to make the improvements, we will use our higher level enforcement powers which you can find details of here on our website".