THE manager of a Burnham-on-Sea care home has defended the home after a report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found it 'requires improvement'.

The CQC grades care homes in five categories - and Kingsleigh Residential Home in Berrow Road, Burnham-on-Sea received a 'requires improvement' rating in four of the five categories following an inspection in June.

The residential care home, which can care for up to 23 people with dementia, was rated as needing to improve in being safe, effective, caring and well-led but was rated as good for being responsive in a report published in September.

It was previously rated as 'good' by the CQC.

A spokesman for the CQC, said: "Some areas of the home required improving such as ceilings and a broken extractor fan.

"Staff received training in safe administration of medicines however staff were not always recording the administration of topical medicines such as creams.

"Care plans were not always current and up to date reflecting people's current care needs or end of life wishes. Not all people knew how to make a complaint should they need to.

"People were at risk of cross contamination due to staff not being able to access effective hand washing facilities. Hot water temperatures were not being undertaken to ensure they were within safe parameters and on occasions they were recorded as being above recommended guidelines.

Staff were not receiving supervision, training and an annual appraisal in line with the providers policies. People were not always supported by staff who demonstrated compassion and a positive approach to people. The provider failed to ensure quality assurance systems were in place to identify shortfalls."

However, the CQC also praised the home for its 'caring staff' and the fact that residents had 'choice and control and had their views sought'.

Maris Spearing, manager of Kingsleigh Residential Home, responded to the report, saying plans to improve the home were in place.

She said: "The issues that were mentioned in the report have all been rectified.

"The CQC wanted us to have paper towel dispensers in communal areas which we have done.

"They wanted a sink in one of the toilets which we have done and we have repaired.

"I am confident that we are going to back to having a 'good' rating when we have our next inspection in a year."