THE CHIEFS of a care home left after inspectors found a raft of serious safeguarding concerns.

On January 25 Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors made an unannounced visit to Woodland Grove in Loughton.

A number of illegal breaches were found that appeared to stem from poor management.

As well as failing to thoroughly audit the Rectory Lane home, the registered manager had not properly catered for disabled people, accidents were not adequately logged and staff were not supported.

Following the visit, which saw Woodland Grove receive a ‘requires improvement’ rating for the first time, both the registered manager and operations manager left the home.

At odds with the catalogue of criticism directed towards senior staff, the home’s residents were positive about the level of care they received.

One relative told inspectors: "The activities are very good here. They email my daughter every Sunday, so that they can plan their visits around what I am doing.”

Another added: ”I am going to two birthday parties this afternoon. It was my birthday in November and I had six guests come for lunch. It was very good."

Resident feedback was positive across the board, with carers praised for shampooing one person’s carpet everyday to keep it smelling nice and for letting a female resident have breakfast in bed.

A spokesperson for Woodland Grove said: “We take all feedback from the CQC seriously. We are working closely and collaboratively with the local authority and CQC to make sure the requested changes are made.

“We were very pleased the CQC report contains so much positive feedback from the residents and relatives who use our service each day, and who continue to speak highly of the changes we are making and the hard work of our staff team.

“Our absolute priority is to make sure residents are happy, healthy and safe. A permanent, experienced Home Manager has been appointed, and will be joining the home shortly.

“We are confident that under their leadership, the CQC will see significant improvements at their next inspection.”