A HAMPSHIRE care home has been slammed by watchdogs after inspectors found medicines were not dealt with safely.

Hamble Heights in Park Gate near Fareham was told it required improvement in its most recent CQC report, published in June.

The Botley Road home, that provides personal and nursing care to 50 people aged 65-years-old and over, was told it required improvements in three out of five categories.

Categories safe, effective and well-led were all rated as required improvement, but caring and responsive were rated good.

Inspectors found that systems in place did not ensure the safe and proper use of medicines, and stated that it was "unclear" if medicines had been administered, posing a risk that people either did not receive their medicines or received more than the intended dose.

There had been several errors in giving time sensitive medicines for specific medical conditions, and improvements had been made by setting alarms for staff, so they did not miss administration times.

The report highlighted that late administration of medicines for some conditions can cause people to "experience unnecessary increased pain and discomfort".

Physical health monitoring was not including within care planning, which put residents at risk of receiving a medicine when it was not appropriate.

Inspectors also found issues with staffing and saw that although the night shifts were mostly adequately covered, the day shifts were "not always well staffed".

Concerns about staffing were raised by staff and most of the relatives that inspectors spoke with.

They told inspectors that this was impacting upon safety and the quality of care being provided.

One relative said: "No there are not [sufficient staff]. There has been lots of turnover [of staff] and agency staff. Lots of managers."

A spokesperson from Hamble Heights told the Daily Echo: "Hamble Heights is a home to many.

"The care and wellbeing of our residents and staff are our priority, first and foremost.

"Whilst we are very disappointed by the outcome of the recent CQC inspection, we are encouraged that the key questions of ‘Caring’ and ‘Responsive’ are both rated ‘Good’.

"The inspection took place over one day in January, and the CQC report was published in June.

"A significant period has elapsed since then, and as such, improvements have already been made during the last 5 months and are ongoing to ensure measures are in place to meet these regulatory improvements by CQC.

"Hamble Heights has a new management team in place, working hard to support the home to progress in all areas.

"Residents and families can be assured that our care remains at the forefront and an absolute priority.

"We are pleased that our care is of the highest standard, which has been highlighted with a score of 9.7 on www.carehome.co.uk.

"We always strive for an outstanding rating and to make improvements wherever necessary. We have put measures in place to make these regulatory improvements, highlighted in the CQC report.

"We were heartened that the CQC recognised the dedication and care from our staff and noted the key themes of kindness and caring, which ran through the feedback from relatives.

"We are committed to implement the improvements quickly and efficiently to ensure the continued, successful running of this residence. We welcome these inspections as they enable us to maintain the best possible standards of care which we are proud to offer."