A nursing home has been told that it ‘requires improvement’ in its latest Care Quality Commission inspection.

Kestrel Grove Nursing Home, Bushey Heath, was inspected on October 6, when it was found that many areas ‘require improvements’.

The inspection report was published on November 10 and the CQC found that the building was not secure during the day and the service was not always effective.

Inspectors noted shortcomings with the security of the home, pressure care equipment, moving and handling, infection control and the storing of medicines.

The home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 57 elderly people, some of whom live with dementia.

According to the report, the staff were appropriately trained but they did not always work in accordance with their training.

Despite the positivity about the staff, the inspectors observed only limited meaningful interaction between staff and people.

The residents received care that met their needs, but moving and handling techniques were not always used, said the report.

The CQC identified that there were systems in place to address any issues and that the management team were looking at ways to drive improvement through the service.

Tony Wiseman, domiciliary optician at Kestrel Grove, said: “The staff are caring, polite and efficient. There also seems to be good continuity of staff and carers seem to stay at the home for a long time.

“This gives the residents a feeling of security. I am astonished with the report.”

Owner Paul Tripp said: “I am bitterly disappointed and I don’t think the report reflects the care that we provide.

“We have never had a report quite like this one and I would suggest that the CQC are marking exceptionally hard in all other areas and homes.

“No one is perfect and we have already got action plans in place to improve but I have got to live with this for a long time now.

“I have a waiting list and the home is already full. Is that not a sign of a good business? I know we are doing it right.”