Care home residents were put at risk because staff did not know how to manage oxygen therapy-associated risks, inspectors found.

Signature at Chorleywood in High View, Rickmansworth, was rated 'requires improvement' after its Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection on March 1.

The home, now called Chorleywood Manor Care Home after it was taken over by Avery Healthcare on June 1, was given the same grade for safety, effectiveness and being well-led categories. Care and responsiveness was rated 'good'.

The residential home provides personal care and accommodation for up to 100 people. Support is provided to adults with different forms of dementia.

At the time of our inspection there were 68 people using the service.

In the report published on May 18, inspectors said there was a lack of processes and checks to ensure additional oxygen was stored and managed safely.

However, the report explained that the registered manager began taking action to correct the issues while the inspection was taking place.

It was also found that enhancements were needed to improve safety around falls. Residents had not been harmed in relation to the poor oxygen and falls issues, but there was a risk they could if changes had not been brought in, inspectors said.

While it was found that staff were following professional recommendations for residents at risk of choking, two “experienced members of staff” did not have up to date knowledge of a person’s specialist diet.

The manager took action to revisit the training in this area and said they will improve auditing.  

Inspectors praised the home for its cleanliness and staff interaction with the residents.

One person told the inspector that "the staff are lovely, kind and respectful. I think they listen. All my personal care is done well. I like [name of member of staff] especially, we have such a laugh."

A spokesperson from Avery Healthcare said: “This is certainly disappointing for the team at Chorleywood whom we are sure work very hard.”

They added they have a “robust” plan in place to make significant improvements now that it has taken over the care home.