A CARE home has been rapped over blocked fire exits and unsecured medicine cupboards.

Greenlands Residential Home in Great Lever has received a ‘requires improvement’ rating by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors made an unannounced visit to the home in Green Lane in September and found it required improvement in safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership, but was rated good for its care.

Issues raised included wheelchairs, walking frames and a vacuum cleaner blocking main escape routes and door as well as a desk and cushion blocking fire escapes.

Two unlocked storage boxes containing medicines were also left unlocked on the floor and a fridge with medicines in was also unlocked.

Some medications were also not being stored as advised on the packaging and reports of safe administration not always complete and accurate.

Inspectors said: “The main corridor on the ground floor was cluttered with the storage of several wheelchairs, boxes and two step ladders.

“We saw people experience difficulty manoeuvring around these obstacles, which presented a risk of harm to people.

“We subsequently saw that these concerns had been addressed and obstructions removed from escape routes and corridors.”

Other concerns raised included a lack of options for meals and signs and pictures to help patients with dementia.

However, the home received praise from patients, families and staff alike – who described it as a ‘family’.

The report added: “People were supported by staff that were kind, caring and compassionate. On the whole, we saw that the dignity and privacy of people was always respected when care needs were being attended to.

“People told us that staff were wonderful and that they were lovely with everyone.”

The report also referenced a family story were a member of staff called in on a patient after seeing their bedroom light was on, even though they were not on duty, and helped a doctor with their care.

It also noted that it had a good number of staff to meet needs and who were well trained and supported patients throughout the day.

Manager Sharina Hussain said: “We have asked for a revisit as an opportunity to show we have put things right.

“Overall the report was quite good and some of the issues raised where sorted while the inspectors were here.

“We have got staff working here who are very good and caring to residents, and it is our priority to look after our residents more than anything else.”