The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told Parklands House Care Home in Rochdale that it must improve or face enforcement action.

During an unannounced inspection in October 2014, inspectors found that the home, in Falinge Road, was failing to provide care which was safe, effective or well led.

According to CQC’s report, there was ‘an unpleasant smell which could be detected outside the home’ and inside it was ‘dirty and unhygienic’ in places.

Medicines were also managed poorly, putting residents at risk of not receiving medication as prescribed.

Inspectors were also concerned that there were sometimes insufficient staff on duty to keep people safe. Risks to people’s physical health were not always acted on and staff did not always interact with residents in a meaningful way.

Under CQC’s new programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating to help people choose care. Overall, Parklands House Care Home has been rated as Inadequate.

Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care in the North said: “We found that the care provided at Parklands House Care Home fell significantly short of what we – and the people who live there – should be able to expect.

“This is especially disappointing given that we have previously warned Eldercare (Halifax) Limited that the home was providing substandard care.”

As a result of these findings CQC is currently considering the need for further regulatory action.