A care home that made “significant” improvements after a previous scathing inspection has reversed some of the good work done.

During a surprise inspection in May 2016, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found serious issues with most of the services provided by George Potter House in Battersea.

The report that followed it, published on January 23, boasted more positive results with two of the services- staff responsiveness and leadership-being upgraded to “good” from “requires improvement”.

However, the latest CQC inspection downgraded the improved services back to “requires improvement”.

The inspection, which took place on June 13 and 14, found that although there were “many incidents of good and respectful interactions between people and staff” there were also examples of “poor care”.

These included people not being seen to promptly when they needed support to be changed and residents were not being showered enough.

Some people complained of being “handled roughly” by staff and being put to bed too early.

On the other hand, most people said that they felt safe living in the service.

Comments included: “I do feel very safe here and all my belongings are well looked after.

“All round I'm taken care of” and “I am safe. They do their best here.”

The report, which was published on August 15, stated that there were examples of “poor infection control” and appropriate measures were not in place to prevent bed sores.

Although many people were fed suitable food, some were not.

Although regular audits took place, areas of concern were missed.

Inspectors found there were not enough staff on shifts, which constitutes a breach in regulation in the Health and Social Care Act.

Since the last inspection, managers still had systems in place to ensure staff received the correct training and supervision, something that was lacking in 2016.

Medicines were safely managed by staff with the correct training to do so, and regular checks took place to ensure residents were receiving the right medication.

The provider had taken steps to improve the space, replacing carpets and furniture, decorating communal areas and refurbishing bathrooms and toilets.

George Potter House remains with a rating of “requires improvement” and the CQC has issued a warning notice to the care home to improve in areas of safety, care, nutrition, and staff.

To read the full report go here

The care home has been contacted for comment.