A care home has been placed into special measures with residents being moved out after it was deemed unsafe.

Abbey Court Nursing Home in West Kingsdown, near Sevenoaks, was rated 'inadequate' after an inspection found people could be at risk of harm.

The care home houses 22 older people and people who have physical needs, most of which are living with dementia.

A report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) states residents were "not appropriately safeguarded from situations where they could be at risk of experiencing abuse."

It went on to say: "Staff had received training about how to recognise allegations of abuse but did not demonstrate a clear understanding on how to respond or report concerns to the correct authorities.

"This lack of understanding abuse placed people at increased risk of harm."

Residents were also said to be "not suitably protected from the risk of fire".

"Not all staff knew the correct procedure to follow in case of a fire" and "did not appreciated the importance of quickly notifying the fire service", stated the CQC.

A lack of staff at the School Lane home also meant people were often left waiting for prolonged periods of time to receive support.

In addition, people's right to privacy was not promoted as inspectors heard three employees speaking loudly in communal areas about the care to be provided to individuals.

And safe recruitment procedures were not in operation, with employment history not obtained.

As a result of these concerns, residents are being moved out of the care home to make sure they are safe.

CQC’s head of inspection for adult social care in the south, James Frewin, said: "This report makes for concerning reading and we do appreciate this has been a difficult time for everyone involved at Abbey Court.

"However, our first priority is always the welfare of the people who are living at the service.

"There remains continuing concerns at the service and we cannot allow people to be living in a service where they are at ongoing risk.

"The local authority has informed us they have cancelled the contract with the service and people are now being moved into services more appropriate to their needs."

Previously rated as 'requires improvement overall', the latest inspection took place in December, brought forward in response to concerns about the service.

Abbey Court has been approached for a comment.

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