POOR infection control and health and safety saw one care home being told it ‘requires improvement’.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) sent inspectors to Hollies Nursing and Residential Home in Clayton-Le-Moors on January 22 and January 23 this year. 

Inspectors said drinks bottles were found on handrails and uncovered clean incontinence pads had been left on trolleys.

They also said cleaning equipment and signs had been left in corridors and the door to the sluice had been unlocked, which meant cleaning materials were accessible to anyone who entered.

The Church Street-based home, which looks after elderly people, had 31 residents at the time of the inspection.

The CQC found the service ‘required improvement’ for its safety, effectiveness and leadership and rated it as good for its care and responsiveness. 

A CQC report reads: “During the inspection we noted poor practice in relation to health and safety and infection control, with cleaning equipment/signs left in corridors, drinks bottles on handrails and uncovered clean incontinence pads on trolleys. 

“We also noted the door to the sluice was unlocked. 

“This meant cleaning materials were accessible to anyone who entered. 

“In addition, arrangements in the laundry room did not easily support best practice in infection control measures. 

“The manager told us they considered infection control was a key area which required improvement.”

However, staff at the home were praised for their care.

The report adds: “People were complimentary about staff. 

“People who lived in the home told us staff always respected their dignity and privacy when providing care.

“Staff demonstrated a good understanding of people’s diverse needs, wishes and preferences.”

A spokesman for Hollies Nursing and Residential Home said: "We are very pleased in receiving good ratings for care and responsiveness, some of the concerns that were raised at the time of inspection have been resolved immediately.

"We have been working closely with the CQC and Infection Prevention and all relevant bodies to address the outstanding issues that were raised.

"We strive to provide the best possible care for residents in the home and will continue to do so."