INSPECTORS have issued a warning to a Merseyside care home after finding patients were given the wrong doses of medicine.

Birkdale Park Nursing Home in Southport has received a formal warning from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The home must now make “urgent improvements to the standards of care”.

During a visit on November 23 inspectors found medication was not stored, recorded or handled properly.

Drugs given to residents were not always recorded correctly, and the inspectors said it was not clear if some people were getting the correct medication.

There was also evidence of residents being given “insufficient doses” of drugs and medication stocks were not monitored sufficiently.

No improvement had been made since previous visits in May and August.

Since issuing this warning notice CQC inspectors have received an action plan from the home and  will carry out another inspection to check progress.

The home’s manager, Carol Cunningham, said improvements had now been made, and reassured clients.

Debbie Westhead, Interim Regional Director of CQC in the North West region, said: “The law says that these are the standards that everyone should be able to expect. 

“This warning sends a clear and public message that Birkdale Park needs to address this issue as a matter of urgency or face serious consequences.

“Our inspectors plan to return to the home in the near future and if we find that the provider has not made the required progress we won’t hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who live there.”

Ms Cunningham  said there had been staff changes since the issue was raised and added: “Birkdale Park is a 5 star nursing home that has delivered excellent care for over 26 years.

“As a family run home we are immensely proud of our reputation for delivering outstanding care and enjoy a close relationship with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

“Last year’s medication errors were regrettable and came as a huge shock to me. The safety and welfare of our clients is always our first priority.  All recommendations and requests by CQC have been carried out.

“Birkdale Park has reassured their clients, relatives and staff that all medication safety measures are in place and remain closely scrutinised.”