A COUNCIL-RUN care home has been told it must improve after failing to correctly notify authorities about certain issues.

Ireland Lodge, in Woodingdean, Brighton, was visited by Care Quality Commission inspectors in July.

The residential home in Lockwood Crescent cares for 21 people aged 50 and over.

Inspectors found it had not formally notified the CQC that it was “depriving people of their liberty”, which it is required to do. This was a breach of the health authority’s regulations.

The report, published on April 24, said: “CQC had not received any notifications relating to DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) authorisations in three years.

“On the day of the inspection, staff, the registered manager and documentation confirmed that people had DoLS authorisations in place.

“These had not been notified to the commission.”

The inspectors also found fluid charts were not calculated to monitor people’s daily intake and to recognise risk.

However, they said the service was safe, caring and responsive. The report said: “People’s experience of the care was positive. Relatives also spoke highly of the service and the care and support provided. People told us they felt safe staying at Ireland Lodge. Staff had received safeguarding training and were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse.

“Incident and accidents were reviewed and, where appropriate, action taken to minimise the risk of future incidents. People and relatives said staff treated them and their loved ones kindly.

“All the interactions we observed were respectful and professional. People’s dignity and independence were respected.”

The home was previously rated “good” but is now rated “requires improvement”.

A council spokesman said: “Ireland lodge had an unannounced CQC inspection in July 16 last year. The overall rating was ‘requires improvement’ although many aspects of the home were found to be ‘good’.

“It was acknowledged that Ireland Lodge was safe, caring and responsive. Service users and relatives said staff treated them and their loved ones kindly.

“All the interactions observed by CQC were respectful and professional. People's dignity and independence were respected.

“Since the inspection all the areas that required improvement have been attended to.”