A Worcester care home is at risk of being closed down if it does not make improvements.

South Hayes Care Home in London Road was placed in special measures following an inspection in March.

And the care home’s rating of ‘inadequate’ remains in place following another visit by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) in June - the findings have just been published.

Worcester News contacted South Hayes Care Home and Regal Care, the company that runs it, for comment.

South Hayes has not responded and Regal Care said it would not comment.

South Hayes had been rated ‘good’ in February 2019 but inspectors visited earlier this year to follow up concerns about fire safety at the premises.

Visiting in March, the CQC found recommendations from a fire service visit in December 2022 had not been acted on by the care home.

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“Fire doors in increased risk areas did not always close or were defective so any potential risks to control the spread of fire, or to stop people being harmed, were ineffective,” inspectors said in their report.

“Fire evacuation procedures were not effective and some staff were unaware of what process should be followed in the event of a fire.”

Inspectors also found that medicines weren’t always stored safely, saw exposed hot water pipes and electrical cables, and that parts of the building were not clean.

But residents at the home were being supported to have control of their lives and spend their time doing things they enjoyed.

“The atmosphere at the home was relaxed, and people enjoyed the company of each other and staff,” the report says.

“Staff felt supported. Despite our findings people were satisfied with the service they received, and people and their relatives felt the service was safe.”

Inspectors visiting the care home in June said the actions required by the fire service had been followed, medicines were being stored safely and concerns around the recruitment of staff had been satisfied.

But they said: “Some people remained at risk of harm as the provider had failed to provide sufficient fire evacuation equipment and safely secure stairwells.

“The provider had failed to follow conditions placed on their registration at the last inspection and had admitted people into the home in unsafe conditions.”

Care homes placed in special measures by the CQC are kept under review - usually for about 12 months - and are at risk of being shut down if they do not make improvements.