Limewood Nursing and Residential Home in Stafford has been told to make changes after receiving a 'requires improvement' rating in a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report.  

The inspection was made after concerns were raised about care and treatment at the Limetree Avenue site. 

Potential worries included unexplained injuries, gaps in staff training, poor management oversight, staff shortages, outdated care plans, poor continence care and inconsistent management of people's distressed behaviours. 

The report did not find evidence for all the claims however it did highlight various areas for improvement. 

Watchdog inspectors found infection control was not being managed effectively due to failures in communication.  

The report said: "This resulted in a breach of regulation in the safe care and treatment of infections.  

"The provider took immediate action including compiling an action plan and completing a root cause analysis to prevent recurrence." 

Other issues identified included residents not having access to call bells to ask for help and support.  

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The report did note some positive feedback on Limewood. 

It said: "People were treated with kindness, compassion and respect. Care and support were person-centred and tailored to meet individual needs, with staff promoting privacy, dignity, and a sense of safety. 

"People were supported to maintain their health and wellbeing, with care plans reviewed regularly to ensure they remained effective and responsive to changing needs. 

"Support was provided in the least restrictive way, in line with legal requirements and in the best interests of each person." 

The home accommodates 65 adults of all ages living with dementia, nursing needs, mental health conditions and physical disabilities.