A CARE home has been condemned for putting residents at significant risk of harm - and will not be taking in any more.

Nazareth House, London Road, Southend, was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.

Plans went in for flats at the site last June and were refused in September, yet rumours it’s being run down to close, have been strongly denied.

Inspectors found poor management put patients at risk. The report stated: “There was poor managerial oversight of staff competencies and practice and this left people at risk of neglect. This was complicated by the poor layout of the building. “Whilst the provider had identified this as an issue, processes to rectify this had been delayed and enough measures were not put in place to manage this risk in the interim.

“There was a poor level of leadership across both the residential and nursing units. Senior care staff and nurses had either not completed or completed quality audits poorly.

“This meant risk to the quality of care was not identified and left people at significant risk. These failings resulted in people being placed at risk of harm.”

The inspection came after concerns from families and Southend Council.

Trevor Harp, councillor for health and adult social care, said: “We are aware of the inspection and report for Nazareth House.

“As per our standard procedures we have suspended making any new placements and are working closely with the provider to support them, make sure that the necessary improvements are made and that those currently living in the home are appropriately safeguarded.”

However, Sir David Amess MP for Southend West had praise for the care home.

He said: “I have the highest regard for Nazareth House, with its remarkable and selfless nuns and wonderful priest.”

Richard Whitby, chief executive of Nazareth Care, added: “We acknowledge the report and worked hard to tackle the issues.

“I hope the good work is recognised and there are no plans to close this care home.”