Dirty and unsafe: Why residents are being moved out of Westbury House nursing home

Westbury House nursing home, in West Meon, did not protect people from abuse, some staff were not trained for residents’ needs, some did not speak English well, and carpets stank of urine.

Those were the findings of the Care Quality Commission, which has de-registered the home following its inspection in March and April. All its residents are being moved.

The report was published this month and found:

n Soiled floors, and the walls and floor coverings were stained and discolouring with dirt and grime.

n Soiled mattress and bed in one resident’s room.

n An allegation of abuse was not investigated.

n Patients at risk of infection due to dirty conditions.

n Staff and residents were fearful of the provider.

n The main electrical intake plant room was being used by staff as a bedroom.

n One patient was living in a room with the deceased former occupant’s name still on the bedroom door.

When inspectors checked recruitment records they found one member of staff had a criminal record but no evidence this had been risk assessed. Others had gaps in their employment history.

The report added: ‘The provider was not able to assure themselves that staff were suitable to be employed because a full employment history had not been demonstrated and they had not sought an explanation for any gaps in employment.

‘One person’s reference was from their partner who already worked in the home.’

And inspectors found one area, Cedar Unit, had possible urine on the table and floor, and the carpet was mouldy.

The furniture was worn and soiled and needed replacing.

One patient’s bedroom floor was sticky and dirty and their bed and mattress was heavily stained.

When inspectors asked it to be changed it was replaced with a heavily soiled mattress.

The inspectors found patients and staff felt staff were kind and compassionate.

The home did not reply to a request for comment but owner Dr Usha Naqvi told the BBC the report was ‘extremely unfair and unreasonable’.