A BOLTON doctor who owned a care home which was criticised by inspectors who said it was failing residents has hit back.

Dr Anjani Kumar, a doctor at Deane Medical Centre, was the owner of Armit Limited which ran the Safe Harbour Dementia Care Home, in the Wirral.

The Care Quality Commission made an unannounced visit to the care home in June after having concerns about the service provided to residents over the past two years.

The CQC had previously issued a warning and fixed penalty notice because the home did not ensure appropriate arrangements were in place for the safe management of medicines, but in a report in July said that some improvements were being made.

The care home's licence was cancelled because the CQC said it failed to ensure residents safety.

The owners of the care home said they decided to withdraw an appeal to close the home, and decided to sell it on.

They said the problems began after Dr Kumar suffered from a period of ill health in 2012 — and that during that time the director of the home "did not carry out his duties efficiently".

They said a new manager was appointed but was not able to carry out the required changes, and that a more experienced manager was then appointed who has made radical changes to the home.

A spokesman for Dr Kumar said that the families of residents supported him and did not move out of the home.

He added that residents and families had always been happy with the care provided.

The spokesman said: "Having moved into a positive position with the local authority and the safeguarding criteria met, Dr Kumar decided to sell the home to new owners which has resulted in him subsequently withdrawing his appeal.

"The home was not in a position to be closed down at the time of transfer to the new owners.

"The home is now being run by the new owners who will continue to deliver and administer a high quality of care to the residents.

"This is their top priority to ensure that the residents’ quality of life is maintained with experienced staff, good governance and within an environment which meets their needs.

"Their aim is to deliver excellent care and return the home to its former glory."