A Biddulph care has been told that in needs to improve for the third time in a row after its most recent inspection.

The Tall Oaks care home on Charles Street has been given its third consecutive 'requires improvement' overall rating following the inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

The local care home was given 'requires improvement' ratings in the 'safe' and 'well-led' categories, and was given a rating of 'good' in the 'effective', 'caring' and 'responsive' categories.

The home provides care for up to 55 older people who may be living with dementia or physical disabilities, with 44 people currently using the home at the time of the inspection.

The latest inspection was prompted in part by an incident in which one of the people using the home died, which, the inspection report says, "is subject to initial inquiries to determine whether to commence a criminal investigation".

It adds: "As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident. However, the information shared with the Care Quality Commission about the incident indicated potential concerns about the management of risk of people's health conditions. This inspection examined those risks.

"We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern, although some improvements were needed."

However, the report also noted that those using the home told inspectors they felt safe, and also found that a number of improvements had been made since the previous inspection.

It said: "Generally, risks to people were assessed and planned for, however one person had a missing care plan for their health condition and prompt action was not evident for one person who was not always regularly going to the toilet, which could have put their health at risk. Despite this, people told us they felt safe.

"People were supported to reduce their risk of choking and other risks had been assessed. Lessons had been learned when things had gone wrong. Accidents and incidents had been reviewed. Oral medicines were managed safely but recording for the application of topical medicines was sometimes poor. Some 'when required' medicines needed more detailed guidance, which was put in place following our feedback.

"There were enough staff to support people and checks were made on their suitability to work in the service. One employee needed their full employment history recording. People were protected from the risk of abuse as staff understood their responsibilities and appropriate referrals were made. People were protected from the risk of cross infection and were able to have visitors as appropriate."

It continued: "Quality assurance systems had failed to identify some of the concerns we found. The provider had an action plan in place which was being monitored. Notifications were submitted as necessary.

"Feedback about the registered manager was very positive and people, relatives and staff felt able to approach them if needed. The registered manager understood their duty of candour. People, relatives and staff were involved in the service. The service worked in partnership with other organisations."

The report added: "Staff received training to be effective in their role and felt supported. The home was in the process of being refurbished, so improvements were being made, although the home was suitably adapted to cater for those living there.

"People were supported to have food and drinks in line with their needs and were offered choices. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People were supported to access other health professionals when needed."

You can read the report in full on the Care Quality Commission's website.

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