A HAMPSHIRE care home that looks after people with learning difficulties and autism has been ordered to improve.

Care company Dimensions UK was told by a health watchdog that their facility needed to address multiple areas, including some safety aspects.

The Care Quality Commission carried out an inspection of Kilford Court in Botley without warning in January, and found that "the service was not always safe".

The inspectors also pointed out that staff were employed without qualifications that met national standards and mental capacity assessments – which addresses the ability to make important decisions – had not always been undertaken.

The report said: "New staff had not completed an induction in line with nationally recognised standards. There was a risk that staff would not be equipped with the right knowledge to perform their role effectively.

"Risks to people’s health and wellbeing were not always adequately assessed and planned for. Risk assessments had not been reviewed or updated when people’s needs changed.

"Improvements were needed to ensure that all areas of the home were suitable and enhanced people’s quality of life."

Following the report, the organisation confirmed that all staff will be trained appropriately.

Nicky Barnes, operations director at Dimensions, agreed with the report and said the not-for-profit organisation will now do its best to improve the home.

“At Dimensions we take real pride in the quality of the support we offer to each person we care for," added Ms Barnes. "We set high standards and it is clear that this service is currently falling some way short.

"We will be working intensively with the staff, families, local commissioners and CQC and look forward to earning an improved rating."

Nevertheless, the report also noted staff were caring and could respond to emergency situations well.

The report added: "Staff had received training in safeguarding adults, and had a good understanding of the signs of abuse and neglect. Staff were clear about what they must do if they suspected abuse was taking place.

"Staffing levels were adequate and enabled the delivery of care and support in line with peoples assessed needs.

“Staff showed people kindness, patience and respect and we observed positive interactions between people and their support workers.

“The relatives we spoke with all felt they were fully involved in their family members care."

The last inspection took place in May 2013 and no concerns were found in the areas inspected.