A KENDAL care home has remained in special measures after an inspection from the industry watchdog.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors rated Heron Hill Care Home as 'inadequate' after a visit in December.

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And the Esthwaite Avenue home, which provides accommodation and nursing care for up to 86 people, failed to improve on that rating after inspectors made two unannounced and one scheduled visit in April.

Although acknowledging improvements had been made, the home's safety and effectiveness still received the CQC's lowest possible grading.

Its responsiveness and leadership was classed as 'requiring improvement', while its care was said to be 'good'.

The CQC report highlighted instances of patients being deprived of their liberty; people at risk of choking or falling because of a lack of risk assessments; a failure to address four areas that were said to be at high risk of fire until being prompted by inspectors; and out-of-date meat that staff said was due to be fed to patients.

However, improvements in storing medicines, staff training and bedside safety were noted by inspectors.

The report also said residents had told inspectors they felt safe at the service and with the staff who supported them.

The home supports adults with a physical disability, mental health needs, behavioural support, dementia and complex nursing needs.

Andrea Gamble, regional operations director for Abbey Healthcare, the home's operators, said: "We were very disappointed that the home did not move off its inadequate rating at the April inspection.

"It was acknowledged that improvements had been made in a number of areas, however, further work was still required.

"There is a new management team at the home and we are confident that when CQC return the home will be found to be compliant.

"The home is working with partner agencies, there is a comprehensive action plan in place.”

The CQC say services in special measures will be reinspected within six months. If insufficient improvements have been made, further action would be taken which could include preventing the home from operating its care service.