A HEATLHCARE watchdog has demanded urgent improvement from a care home in Abbey Wood which is "failing to protect the safety and welfare" of its residents.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued two warning notices to Avante Partnership about Weybourne in Finchdale Road, which caters mainly for dementia sufferers.

It published a report last week following an inspection in December.

The CQC had major concerns in care and welfare, management of medicines, the support of staff and record keeping.

The report said residents’ weight, food and fluid intake were not monitored, proper action was not taken when residents refused essential medication or when they missed drugs because they were asleep when the night round arrived.

One diabetic patient’s blood sugar was not monitored.

The report noted: "We observed one person in their room calling out for help repeatedly for approximately five minutes.

"No staff were available to attend the person. The inspectors were required to intervene."

On another occasion 11 residents were left unattended in a lounge for 10 minutes while two people had to help another with mobility problems to walk and sit down.

Inspectors witnessed staff carrying a resident with mobility problems and a home manager had to intervene to tell them to use a wheelchair.

Orders were not placed when two medicines ran out, the report said, and not all staff had been properly trained in dementia care.

There was no record of whether a patient gave consent for bars to be placed on the side of their bed, which could have been a ‘restriction of liberty’.

The CQC said it will carry out another announced inspection and has the power to suspend or cancel the service, fine or prosecute.

Avante's chief executive Cedric Frederick said the company 'accepts' the findings.

Mr Frederick said: "Prior to the inspection; from June 2011, the organisation had already taken positive steps to address the concerns raised in the inspection report by strengthening the homes management, and by providing additional resources into the home. This work continues.

"Avante Care and Support welcomes the scrutiny provided by the Care Quality Commission and share their commitment to the highest quality of service to our residents."