RESIDENTS with complex learning difficulties were bruised when physically restrained by untrained staff members at a care home, a damning report has revealed.

A Care Quality Commission review showed that Bellus Lodge in Christchurch was not “managed or led well” and was “not always a safe place for people to live”.

The Somerford Avenue home closed a month ago when the report indicated that the home’s residents’ welfare had been put in jeopardy.

The report states: “Staff did not always treat people with dignity and respect. Care and support was not always delivered privately.

“There was a risk that people were receiving care from staff who had not had training to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities and complex behaviour. People were being physically restrained and administered medicines by untrained staff. People received bruising following restraint by untrained staff. This left people at risk of unsafe care and treatment .”

The report also showed there had been breaches of the Health and Social Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and that information relating to pre-employment checks was not available.

The overall rating was inadequate and the home was placed into special measures. The property will now be sold.

Harry Capron, assistant director for adult social care at Dorset County Council said: “Following large scale concerns in relation to the care provision by Alo Care Ltd since February, immediate action was taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users.

“All service users have been moved. There were no service users at the home funded by Dorset County Council. A number of safeguarding investigations have been progressed across Hampshire and Dorset.

“Both Dorset Police and Hampshire Police have been involved and are carrying out their own investigations.

“Anyone with any concerns relating to the care provision from the company should contact their social worker or telephone Hantsdirect on 0300 555 1386.”

Neighbour Dave Jenkins said: “The CQC report was nothing more than I expected to be honest. It wasn’t a caring environment at all.”

The Daily Echo was unable to reach Alo Care Ltd for comment on the matter, at the time of going to press.