WATCHDOGS say they are taking action to protect the safety and welfare of residents at a Meon Valley care home where standards are woefully inadequate.

The Ashley Manor Nursing Home in Shedfield has been placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection carried out last month.

The home has been branded “inadequate” by the CQC over staff shortages, dirty conditions and poor practices that left residents in danger of malnutrition and dehydration.

Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery described the report as "one of the worst I have seen".

Deborah Ivanova, CQC’s interim deputy chief inspector - adult social care (south region) said: “This woeful shortfall in standards at Ashley Manor Nursing Home is unacceptable.

“We have told the provider very clearly where improvements must be made and we are currently using our enforcement powers to ensure this happens.

“We are working closely with local agencies and will continue to monitor the service. We will not hesitate to take further action to ensure people receive the care and support they are entitled to expect.

“If anyone has concerns about this or any other registered service, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Mr Hollingbery said: "This is clearly a very concerning development and, after reading the CQC's report, I can say it is one of the worst I have seen. 

"The fact that the inspectors found services were not safe, effective or caring goes to the very heart of what a nursing home should offer and residents' loved ones will, I'm sure, be demanding answers. 

"I'm pleased that the CQC is taking robust action by placing the home under special measures. I very much hope that the elderly residents and their families will soon see the necessary improvements."

The report by the CQC said:

• “There were not enough staff on duty at all times to meet people’s needs and this impacted on the care they received. Inspectors observed the home was dirty.

• “It was observed during one meal time that once the meal was completed, all staff left to go on their break, leaving people at risk if they need the support.

• “Inspectors found some kindly treatment of people living in the service. However, overall the care was institutionalised, i.e. the same for everyone rather than personalised. People were not treated with dignity and respect, offered choice or encouraged or supported to be independent.

• “The provider and the registered manager did not demonstrate that they understood their legal responsibility to keep people safe. For example medicines were in breach the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. To keep people safe, police offers took the drugs away.

• “People’s food and fluid intake was not monitored to ensure people had sufficient fluid and dietary intake to meet their needs, this put people at risk of dehydration or malnutrition.

• “During the inspection, evidence seized demonstrated that no person living in the home consistently received enough fluids to meet their needs.”