A care home for people with dementia is failing to look after patients safely.

The Quality Care Commission (CQC) has taken enforcement action against Jaya Hira, owner of Winterton House in Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hill.

The CQC has demanded improvements in the management of medicines, the safety and suitability of the premises and support of staff.

Following an inspection on November 5, the commission found residents were at risk because the home had failed to keep accurate medicine records.

The report, updated on January 3, also said residents, staff and visitors were at risk because from trailing electrical cables on the floor of the living room and mould growing on the inside of a dining room window. 

In addition, only one in ten staff members had any record of suitable training.

Miss Hira, who has run the home since 1983, said: “I hold my hands up to the findings but I have already rectified them.

“I responded to the inspection on December 19, telling them I had made all the necessary improvements but they have not included that in the report.”

Miss Hira was given four weeks to improve standards in the 200-year-old building and now says administration and cleaning protocols have been changed in order to adhere to the requirements.

She said: “It was a case of priorities for me. I am about the immediate care first and foremost and they have not faulted me on that.

“I now have reminders on my phone and I remind staff daily about filling in paperwork correctly and on time.”

Inspectors will return for an unnanounced inspection in the near future.

If the CQC find the home has failed to make the necessary changes, it has the power to restrict services or close it down.

Financial penalties can also be imposed and prosecutions brought against Miss Hira should she fail to meet basic standards.