A MALVERN nursing home has been criticised for the quality of care it gave to an 84-year-old woman.

A two-month investigation by the National Care Standards Commission has found failings in the care offered by Court House Care Home, in Court Road, to the late Eleanor Hughes in her two months at the BUPA-run home.

The investigation was launched following a complaint by Mrs Hughes's son-in-law, Laurence Gough, of Denison Close, Malvern.

In a summary of the inquiry, Nick Richards, an investigator with the Commission's Worcester area office, says the home will be asked to make improvements.

"Requirements will be issued and monitored to ensure that care standards improve for remaining residents within the home," he said.

Problems included Mrs Hughes having difficulty speaking and eating for two weeks when the top set of her dentures went missing in early July before they were found in the home's laundry.

In mid-July Mrs Hughes had to be taken to the accident and emergency department at Worcester Royal Hospital with head injuries after falling from her bed.

According to the summary, risk assessments carried out by staff failed to properly identify Mrs Hughes' need for cot sides, bed rails which prevent patients from falling out of bed.

Mr Richards also criticises Mrs Hughes care plans, the documents nurses use to prepare patients' treatment.

The plans were "scant in terms of content and failed to provide enough information to enable care staff to provide consistent care", according to Mr Richards who adds that staff "had not followed some care instructions".

Mr Gough said he would reserve final judgement on the investigation pending further discussions with Mr Richards.

But he was pleased that other patients would benefit from improvements.

"As long as there are changes at the home and residents there and future residents get better care, I'm very happy," he said.

The full report has been sent to the home and will be examined by BUPA.

Assistant regional director of BUPA care homes, Stephen Rees, said: "We very recently received summary findings from the National Care Standards Commission and will be discussing them with the Commission.

"I'd once again like to reassure residents and relatives that providing a high standard of care to our residents at Court House is our main priority."