A CARE home has been told to improve after the health watchdog raised concerns about medicine management and infection control.

Highbury House in Rottingdean, which cares for people over the age of 65 with varying needs, was rated ‘requires improvement’ following an inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July.

The home in Steyning Road ‘requires improvement’ for the safe, effective and well-led inspection criteria, as well as overall.

Concerns were raised by inspectors about effective record keeping, monitoring systems and the “safe management” of medicines.

A spokeswoman from Highbury House said “actions have been completed where identified” and that residents remain “safe and well cared for”.

Inspectors said: “The providers' governance and quality monitoring systems had not been effective in all areas and had not identified a number of risks and lack of accurate records.

“This included the safe management of medicines, environmental risks, risks related to care, emergency evacuation and infection control practice.

“Systems followed had not ensured all medicines were handled safely and did not ensure people received their prescribed medicines safely and appropriately.

“We were somewhat assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and promoting safety through the layout and hygiene practices. This was because some staff were not wearing masks correctly, the laundry facilities and sluice rooms were not promoting good infection control practice.

“Not all systems to monitor and check the safety of the environment were effective. The hot water supply was not checked in all areas and window safety was not routinely checked.

“The provider was unable to supply the safety certificate for the passenger lift.”

However, the home’s staff were praised for their support of residents and their “respectful and caring approach”.

The report said: “During the inspection staff were attending to people's needs in a pleasant and timely way. People told us, ‘the staff are lovely and available’. Relatives told us, ‘the staff are cracking’ and ‘the team really do work as a 'team' and offer great care and support to all the residents. The staff focus and engage with the residents and this demonstrated by the service and attention to detail they provide’.”

A spokeswoman from Highbury House said: “We always welcome feedback from our regulators and other professionals who come into the home, it helps us to continuously improve, learn and develop.

“Actions have been completed where identified and we continue to fulfil our vision of ensuring our home and our care for others remain outstanding.

“Our residents remain safe and well cared for and we look forward to the opportunity for a full comprehensive inspection soon.”