Residents at Oxford's Albany Nursing Home put 'at risk'

Residents at a care home in Oxfordshire were at risk of being hurt by unsafe equipment, a health watchdog report has revealed.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found Albany Nursing Home in Headington failed in five areas.

It has now been told it must improve or face sanctions such as fines or even closure.

A spokesman for the home said it had already implemented improvements following the inspection in May.

The report also said some residents "were at risk from not receiving the nutrition they required".

Infection control

Too few cleaning staff were employed resulting in areas of the home that were "dirty" and limescale had not been removed from sinks, toilet pans and washing machines.

"Some staff were not aware of the management of the control of infection," said the report.

Inspectors also found medication was not always stored correctly or given to the correct person.

The nursing home is registered to care for 48 older people and is owned by Trinity Care (Crown) Limited - part of the Southern Cross Healthcare Group.

A spokeswoman for the home said: "We continue to work closely with the CQC and Oxford Council, along with residents and their relatives to improve and sustain care delivery at the home.

"The care and wellbeing of our residents remains our top priority."

Southern Cross also owns the Brookfield Christian Care Home in Oxford which was criticised by the CQC in May and is currently awaiting re-inspection.