A CARE home which was ordered to improve insists it has taken immediate action to up its game.

The Care Quality Commission handed Stafford Court, in Venables Close, Canvey, an overall requires improvement rating after concerns were raised about safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership.

Inspectors found four breaches of the Health and Social Care Act Regulations.

This included a rusty toilet seat raiser in a communal bathroom and exposed cabling in the lounge.

Equipment such as wheelchairs and hoists was found being stored corridors.

Concerns were also identified about staff recruitment.

The commission, which previously raised the care home as good, praised staff for treating residents with respect and dignity.

A spokesman for the commission said: “We observed staff being caring and kind and they were sensitive to individual needs. Staff were very knowledgeable.”

Sheryl Lamb, who has been manager of the home for 11 years, said a staff meeting was arranged immediately after the inspection to discuss improvements.

She said: “All concerns raised have now been rectified and were addressed within a two week period.

“On the day of this inspection there was rust identified on the lower part of the toilet frame. It was felt that this could have caused an injury and therefore was immediately taken out of service, put into the bin store and a new frame was ordered online.

“The home now operates more robust recording and auditing systems to ensure that we offer high standards of care at all times.

“DBS checks were in place but required updating and the recorded conviction was not care related.

“Stafford Court is a purpose built home, built 25 years ago and therefore lacks storage facilities.

“We provide care for 29 residents and each resident is entitled to the use of a wheelchair. Therefore these must be stored.

“We also offer care to residents with mobility needs and therefore electrical hoists are required.

“These are stored and batteries are charged in the corridor.”