A care home in Westcliff has been condemned after a health watchdog found residents were unsafe - and staff were working as many as 91 hours a week.

A year ago Fairview House, in Fairview Drive, Westcliff, was ordered to improve following a scathing inspection by the Care and Quality Commission. 

But the latest inspection has revealed a new low - and the home will face closure if things don’t improve and fast.

The home to 55 residents, including some with dementia, was deemed “inadequate” and has been put into special measures.

The worrying report, just released, concluded the residents were unsafe, with one family member telling how someone had even been stabbed.

The relative, who has asked not to be named, told inspectors: “Our relative has been stabbed twice in the hand by another resident and has fallen out of bed and staff were unable to explain how. 

“I don’t think there is enough staff for the quantity of people here.”

Inspectors also found that the care home was in breach of Regulation 9 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 because there was no end of life care plan in place.

Inspectors also found residents were unstimulated, and on occasions had been left in their armchairs all day.

Sympathising for the amount of work that carers have to do, another relative said: “I have said about this to the carers and their response is ‘we can only do what we can do’.

“I feel sorry for the carers, there’s just not enough of them.” 

The general response from relatives of residents was that staff were working unreasonable hours.

One care worker completed 91 hours in just one week with only four hours break in all that time.

While another had worked 81 hours in a week and records showed they had taken just over five hours break-time.

Two relatives of residents praised the work of care workers, despite the demands. One said: “I feel sorry for the carers.

“They are so busy and rushed off their feet, but the care they give is exquisite.”

Another relative told inspectors: “I feel very safe here. The staff are most capable and very friendly.” 

As well as poor staffing levels, there were also concerns about drug storage.

On the first visit, inspectors found boxes of medication which had been delivered to the service left open in an unlocked office as well as selection of creams left in residents rooms.

When inspectors approached the manager about their findings, the manager could not supply a rational explanation for this. 

Southend Council has stopped placing any new residents under its care into the home.

A Southend Council spokesman said:  “We are aware of the recent CQC inspection and report for Fairview House care home.

“As per our standard procedures we suspended making any new placements on Friday and are working closely with the provider to support them, make sure that the necessary improvements are made and that those currently living in the home are appropriately safeguarded.”