A BRADFORD nursing home has been branded inadequate by care inspectors, who found a host of major safety concerns.

Inspectors discovered "chaotic systems", a shortage of staff and a lack of respect for the dignity of residents at Allerton Park Care Centre in Allerton.

As a result, clients were left "at risk of receiving unsafe and inappropriate care", according to the damning new report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Yesterday, care home bosses said major improvements had since been made at the home, which cares for up to 50 people, including those with dementia and mental health needs.

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The CQC report was written after inspectors made two unannounced visits in February.

Findings included:

- An allegation of psychological abuse committed by a staff member had not been referred to the relevant authorities, and there was no record of any action taken;

- One resident with dementia, and a history of falls, had locked themselves in their room for 45 minutes, and staff were unable to find the key;

- "Chaotic systems" and poor communication meant senior staff were confused about how many people were in the home;

- Inspectors saw one person choking on food in a communal area when no staff were present.

In total, it found seven breaches of official regulations, and the home was issued with a warning notice requiring it to make improvements.

But inspectors noted that the way medicines were given and complaints were handled had both improved since the previous inspection, last year.

The report said: "Overall, although we found some improvement had been made with regard to complaints and the management of medicines, there were significant shortfalls in the care and service provided to people and the home's internal quality assurance systems had failed to pick these up."

The home is run by Bradford-based firm Park Homes.

Its managing director, Jason Sykes, said: "We welcome the CQC report and naturally we are disappointed with their findings - indeed there were several areas with which we disagree.

"Nevertheless, we acknowledge that the service required areas of improvement and the staff and management have been working hard since the report to improve these areas.

"A comprehensive action plan was put in place which is now complete and we are waiting for the CQC to attend and confirm the improvements.

"We have been working closely with the CQC subsequent to the report by liaising with them on a fortnightly basis and are looking forward to our next inspection, which I am confident will demonstrate compliance with all of the areas of concern identified."