A TYNEDALE care home has received a 'requires improvement' rating following an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Red Brick House, run by Akari Care, was inspected in May this year.

Inspectors said risks "were not always monitored or managed".

They said said: "At the time of the inspection, some doors to storage rooms were not locked which presented a potential risk to people who might mistakenly enter those rooms."

The CQC said the manager addressed this immediately.

The inspection report also said: "Risk assessments were not always in place for people, including those at risk due to distressed reactions or skin integrity.

"Where some risk assessments were in place, these were not always sufficiently detailed to guide staff in a consistent approach.

"The management team were aware of risk assessments shortfalls and had plans to address this."

It added that they "were not always assured that the provider was preventing visitors from catching and spreading infections" and said "visiting professionals had not always been screened to ensure they were tested and symptom-free".

However, inspectors said people and relatives praised the "friendly" atmosphere in the home and described staff as "helpful and kind".

They added: "The home had a warm and welcoming culture. Staff were engaging with people.

"People and relatives said the home was a safe place to live and staff were 'very caring'."

One person told inspectors: "The staff look after us very well. They're very accommodating and if I need anything I just have to buzz and they come."

Inspectors said people were supported to have "maximum choice and control of their lives" and staff assisted them in the "least restrictive way possible and in their best interests".

The home was "clean and comfortable", the report said. It added the provider and management team were "open and approachable".

The care home, at Victoria Terrace, was previously rated as 'Good' following an inspection in 2019.

Akari Care declined to comment.