THE operator of a Nailsea nursing home must make urgent improvements or face ‘serious consequences’ after inspectors found it was failing to protect the people in its care.

The Care Quality Commission (CGQ) has issued a formal warning to Southern Cross Healthcare (Kent) saying it must make urgent improvements to the standard of care at Laurel Court or face further action.

This comes following an unannounced visit by inspectors to the Brockway nursing home to follow-up requirements set out after an inspection in May.

During the latest visit, inspectors found care plans had not been updated and did not reflect the support people needed. Risk assessments and management plans at the home, which cares for up to 62 people, were also out of date.

Inspectors said one person was not having their continence managed effectively and another person had been injured because the moving and handling procedures being followed were incorrect.

CQC’s South West regional director Ian Biggs said: “The providers told us they would be compliant by the end of July, but we found improvements, which we required, had not been made.

“This warning sends a clear and public message that Laurel Court needs to address this issue as a matter of urgency or face serious consequences.

“Our inspectors will return in the near future and if we find the provider is not making the required progress we won’t hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who live there.”

If the home does not improve, the CQC could restrict the services the provider can offer or even suspend or cancel a service altogether. Financial penalty notices and cautions can be given out and the provider could also be prosecuted.

A statement from Southern Cross said: “At the time of the last Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Laurel Court on September 2 an issue requiring improvement was identified.

“Management and staff immediately prioritised action to address this matter and the company can confirm processes have been put in place to rectify and maintain ongoing improvements.

“The care and well-being of our residents remains our priority.”