A BOLTON care provider has been told to improve after an inspection by the industry watchdog.

Wingates Residential Home, in Westhoughton, has been ordered to improve by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

CQC inspected the Wingate Care Homes Limited's Chorley Road service on November 9.

Inspectors concluded that the home was caring and well-led, but have said it required improvement in the areas of safety, effectiveness and responsiveness.

Areas highlighted included improvements to the dining room, including better lighting, more signage and appropriate pictures, and more supervision and staff on hand to assist in the lounge.

The report said: "We looked at staffing levels on the day and at staff rotas and found they were of concern. Two apprentices were working on the day of the inspection and we questioned whether they should be performing the same tasks as care staff.

"The lounge was sometimes left unsupervised and we saw that people required assistance.

"The meal time experience could have been improved with the addition of table mats, condiments and pictorial table menus. The environment could have been made more appropriate for people who live with dementia."

It added that recruitment of staff at the home was "robust" and care plans were being updated "to make them more person centred" to improve safety, but criticised the lack of choice for residents to have a room key.

The inspection found safeguarding and whistleblowing bullying policies where in place alongside medicine policies, and praised the home's caring approach.

The report said: "We observed care in the home throughout the day and saw it was delivered with kindness and compassion. People’s privacy and dignity was respected.

"The manager was aware of what was needed at the service, had put an action plan into place and had already completed some actions.

"The home maintained good links with the local community."

The company's director Sabir Khan said they were disappointed with the report.

He said: "We do not agree with the inspection.

"Our staffing levels are higher than expected, we have six to seven people working in a morning for a 36-bed home. We do have two apprentices but one has been here nearly 12 months and is more than competent.

"We are trying to put in whatever they have asked for. We have always been compliant with everything before. These are very minor issues.

"Of course we are disappointed, we have a home here that the community knows and we have built strong links with, but we are going to put things in place so this never happens again."