A CARE home for people with mental health conditions and dementia has been ordered to improve its cleanliness and the care its staff takes with patients.

Ravensmere Rest Home in Manor Road, Westcliff, has been rated as requiring improvement following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors raised concerns about clean linen being placed with dirty linen in baskets and the poor “handling and moving of” patients. The report states: “We had concerns about infection control and the poor state of repair of some areas of the service, which could impact on the environment remaining clean and free from infection for people.

“We found at this inspection the provider had taken some remedial action, but further work on the environment was still needed.

“The director told us further work was planned over the next six months.

“We observed some poor moving and handling techniques being used to support people to stand or sit up in their chairs.

“We discussed this with the registered manager who confirmed all staff were up-to-date with their moving and handling training.

“They reassured us they would be discussing correct moving and handling techniques with staff to refresh their knowledge and provide further guidance.”

The watchdog also raised concerns over the up keep of the home.

The report states: “There were still several areas which needed addressing. Carpets and flooring were poorly fitting and stained in places.

“Some pipe work was still exposed, and radiators uncovered.”

A home spokesman told the Echo he is confident things have already improving for its 24 residents.

He said: “Although we do not agree with the rating of this report we can say that the latest inspection was carried out by CQC in a much more professional and responsible manner compared with the previous inspection.

“We hope that the next inspection would be carried out in such manner and show the home’s true rating , which should be good.”