A mid Suffolk care home has been told it requires improvement after a visit from care watchdog inspectors who raised concerns over safety and leadership. 

Stowcare Limited-run Chilton Court, in Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on November 22 and 30 last year when it was found to require improvement overall and in safety and leadership categories. 

Chilton Court, which accommodates up to 47 people who require personal care support, many of whom live with dementia, had 36 residents at the time of inspection. 

CQC inspectors found not everyone had a sufficient and detailed care and risk management plan in place, and staff had not been provided with formal guidance on "how to identify specific risks to people's health, welfare and safety". 

They said staff were kind and caring, but that there were 'insufficient numbers of staff' to meet people's needs overnight, an issue the report states the provider took action immediately to address.

Inspectors found effective safeguarding systems were in place at the home as well as effective infection spread prevention, with the exception of some dirty equipment and light pulls.

However, they said the provider had not ensured there was 'adequate oversight of the service' and it was deemed to require improvement in safety and leadership categories.

The home was deemed 'good' in effectiveness, caring and responsiveness categories.

Stowcare Limited has been approached for comment.