A resident’s life was put in danger at a care home labelled “not always safe” by inspectors.

A Care Quality Commission report into conditions at Carnalea Residential Home in Faversham reveals how officials grew concerned for the person, who suffered from a serious allergy.

Bosses from the London Road home say they have addressed the criticisms raised during the inspection.

But following its visit to the site, the watchdog slapped the business with a rating of “requires improvement”, the second-worst score available.

“One person had a serious allergy and required immediate medical attention when they showed signs of an allergic reaction,” the report says.

“A specific risk assessment had not been completed to provide clear guidance to staff, such as how to prevent a reaction and what were the individual signs to be alert to.

“The implications of not acting fast enough were extremely serious, putting the person’s life in danger.

“Some aspects of the service were not always safe.

“There was an increased risk that people could be harmed.”

The inspectors also say there were “ineffective systems” in place to monitor people’s safety and well-being at Carnalea.

Prior to their visit, they had received concerns about leadership, governance and staff culture at the home.

The complaints prompted the inspection in November, the report for which was only published last week.

“I wanted the toilet but no one was about, so I wet myself..."

Some residents told the assessors staff were always available when they asked for assistance, but others said they often had to wait when they needed help.

One resident noted carers were “so busy” that it was often difficult to find one.

The person added: “I wanted the toilet but no one was about, so I wet myself, though I do have pads as well.”

Another resident stated: “While there are staff around, it can take time for them to come to you in your room.”

Carnalea Residential Home provides personal care to up to 55 residents. It supports older people with varying conditions, including dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and mental health needs.

The CQC document also states regular fire safety measures were not always carried out or recorded to reduce risk.

“A fire risk assessment had been completed in January 2022 with actions to complete to ensure fire safety,” the report said.

“Actions remained outstanding. There was no clear plan in place to identify what action still needed to be taken and when they would be completed by.

“The provider confirmed after the inspection all outstanding action had been taken.

“Weekly fire alarm tests were completed sporadically, not weekly, with regular gaps of three and four weeks between tests.”

A spokesman for the home stress there was not a manager in post at the time of the inspection, as they were in the middle of recruiting a new one.

He says this had “an unfortunate impact on the rating given”.

“We have focused on acknowledging the areas which were considered to be in need of improvement during the visit,” they said.

“These have now been addressed.

“We are committed to striving for the highest standards of care for our residents and members of staff at Carnalea and will diligently continue to do so.”