ADMISSIONS to a care home subject to investigations following concerns over the treatment of residents were suspended by the council as far back as July, the Guardian has learned.

The council visited Chestnuts Nursing and Dementia Home in Cambridge Park, Wanstead, in the summer after concerns were raised over the treatment of three residents suffering from pressure sores.

That was followed in September by a visit from health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which ordered the home to draw up an action plan after identifying concerns over the safeguarding of residents, care and welfare management and a lack of support for staff.

The council then suspended all new admissions and consultants acting for the home confirmed that it had also voluntarily suspended admissions.

The home was told earlier this month to inform a government inspector within 14 days of how it planned to improve.

CLT Health Consulting was brought in to assist in the drafting and implementation of the care plan.

And CLT Director and Senior Consultant Debbie Lindon-Taylor said the plan was already in progress and action was underway to replace pressure relieving equipment and train staff in its use.

She said: “As part of the plan we have carried-out a complete review of all the existing beds in the home. We have already replaced one bed and made a reccommendation to upgrade a total of 10 beds out of the 51.

“We have also taken steps to ensure that all staff receive up to date training in pressure care and the reporting process.

“The action plan is very in depth and it has been produced to ensure that we meet the highest possible standards.”

Despite their concerns, CQC inspectors also found that many residents were very positive about the care they received.