BOSSES of a care home described as inadequate by a health watchdog say it has made good progress since being inspected.

Redworth House, on Byerley Road, in Shildon, was slated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a recent inspection.

The residential home, which opened in 2004 for 57 residents and is run by Bondcare Shaftsbury, was criticised by the CQC across several areas.

Following an unannounced inspection in October, the inspectors gave Redworth an overall rating of inadequate.

In particular, the CQC said its performance was inadequate in the target areas of being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

In response, the care home’s bosses said steps had been taken to address the issues.

A CQC spokesman said: “We wouldn’t want homes to improve after a bad report for a short time before reverting.

“When we find something serious wrong we go back out for another inspection at the home after about six months.

“They could be fined if they haven’t improved and there are other measures. We could shut a home down but we try to see that as a last resort.”

The CQC team found that the home was not clean and had a strong unpleasant odour on the first floor.

Records showed that on one occasion the wrong amount of medication, thought to be the blood thinner Warfarin, had been given to a patient last October.

The report found that the needs of advanced dementia sufferers were not catered for and also that residents could access other patient’s rooms.

It noted that staff did not attend one patient who called continually from his bedroom. Quilt covers, sheets and carpets were found to be stained.

Some staff did not have up-to-date training, medicines were not managed safely and the building was not well maintained.

Quality assurance reports by a regional manager had failed, the CQC found, to identify poor standards of care in the home.

A spokesman for Redworth said that it was thought an agency nurse had given too much Warfarin on one occasion.

The incident was raised with the nurse and reported and she was not used again.

The spokesman said: “This inspection report dates back to last year.

“A comprehensive action plan was put in place at the time and with the support of senior management, and working in collaboration with key professionals, the home has made good progress, which we are confident will be sustained.”