THE boss of a care home has welcomed the opportunity to kick-on after a watchdog told him the service must improve.

Ramsey Step Down and Care Centre did not have “effective systems” in place to protect people from risk, inspectors said.

The Care Quality Commission stated there was an “oversight” of clinical care and quality checks at the home in Ramsey Road, Dovercourt.

However, staff at the site, which cares for those discharged from hospital but still in need of care, were praised for the high standards of support they deliver to patients.

The centre was rated as requiring improvement in its safety, effectiveness and leadership but was told its responsiveness and levels of care were rated as good following the check-up in August.

The report reads: “Care plans and risk assessments lacked detail and did not provide enough information about people’s current and changing needs to assist the registered manager to plan care and decide on staffing levels.

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“People received their medicines as required, though medicine care plans lacked detail.”

It was the site’s first inspection since its inception during the Covid pandemic to support overwhelmed hospitals.

Manager and owner David Wing said the service is “unique” due to the variety of services it provides.

He conceded sometimes data can be vague on the system due to a high turnover of patients in a short time.

“Care was compassionate and respectful. People and their representatives were positive about the culture of the service and told us people achieved good outcomes,” the report continued.

“Staff were knowledgeable about people’s needs and provided personalised care.

“The registered manager was enhancing the environment to meet the needs of the people living at the service.”

Mr Wing told the Gazette he saw the inspection as a “positive opportunity to learn and make adjustments”.

“We started in a pandemic with little or not support,” he added.

“It’s positive to see the CQC praise what we’re doing and seeing recognition from patients and families.”