A care home was inspected earlier than planned because concerns over people’s general care and welfare were raised by an anonymous source.

Whitstable Nursing Home, in West Cliff, has been told it “requires improvement” after it was assessed in December by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The health watchdog found that improvement is needed in four out of five categories.

The inspection was unannounced and the home was told it needs to improve the safety of the service, the effectiveness of the service, whether the service is caring, and whether the service is responsive.

However, it received a good rating for whether the service it provides is well-led.

In its report, CQC stated: “The inspection was brought forwards because of concerns raised to the Care Quality Commission from an anonymous source, in regards to people’s general care and welfare.

“The service was not consistently safe.

“Staffing numbers were not sufficient to meet people’s assessed needs at all times.

“However, people told us they felt safe living in the home, and said that staff usually responded quickly when they called for help.

"The service was not consistently caring..." - Care Quality Commission report

“The service was not consistently caring.

“Staff were patient and listened to people, and assisted them as needed. However people’s dignity was sometimes compromised.”

During an inspection last May staff were told some standards were below par.

In its December report, CQC added: “The service was well-led. The manager was easily available to people and their relatives, and supported staff in delivering care.

“There were systems in place to monitor the home’s progress. These included staff meetings, visits from senior managers, audits and questionnaires.”

A nursing home spokesman said: “Whitstable Nursing Home has taken note of the comments made by the CQC inspector in this report and made immediate actions to resolve any issues identified.

"The CQC Inspector has confirmed in this report that all previously identified breaches with the regulations had been met”.

"We wish to take this opportunity to thank our residents and families for their continuous support."