STAFF at a Burnley care home rated inadequate are ‘dead on their feet’ according to residents’ relatives.

The Victoria Residential Home, in Thursby Road, was described as ‘not safe’ and ‘not effective’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a two-day inspection.

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But the venue’s bosses said they were confident that the problems had been addressed.

In total, nine breaches of the Health and Social Care Act were recorded in the CQC’s report, including a shortage of staff to care for the 31 people living there.

The report said: “The service was not safe. There was not always enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Chemicals and other substances hazardous to health were not always kept locked away when they were not in use, which may have put people at risk.

“People were not always given their prescribed medicines when they needed them. Medicine administration sheets were not adequately maintained.

“We found that the required checks had not been completed before staff commenced their employment.”

The inspectors, who visited the home in February when it was without a permanent manager, spoke to 12 residents, five relatives, six care workers, a domestic, an activity co-ordinator, a handyman and a cook.

Their report stated: “Typical comments we received included: ‘They’re short staffed again today. The home has been short staffed almost every day I’ve visited recently. It’s a disgrace’ and: ‘I’ve noticed the home has been short staffed a lot lately, which the owner seems unable or unwilling to address.’”

Another relative added: “Every time I visit at the moment the staff seem dead on their feet because they are so busy.”

The Matta Care Group, which runs the home, said a voluntary embargo on new admissions had been put in place since the publication of the report on April 30.

Andrew Thornton, managing director, said: “I joined the company as group managing director in March 2015 and have spent a significant amount of time with the newly-appointed home manager in improving this home.

“We are now confident that the problems have been addressed throughout the home and are ready for re-inspection.

“The Victoria Residential Home has undergone significant investment and refurbishmentand is a fantastic facility.”