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A care home based in the Hampshire village of Brockenhurst in the New Forest has been ordered to improve its standards after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) uncovered numerous problems at the premises.

After inspecting the Fernlea Care Home complex, which accommodates people who have learning difficulties, inspectors found that residents were often living in damp, dirty and even dangerous conditions. The building was found to be poorly maintained, and inspectors found mould on the walls as well as loose floorboards and nails.

There were also problems with staffing, as it was found that there were too few staff on duty to take residents outside when they wished to. In one case, a resident reported leaving the confines of the care home just eight times in July 2011. Care training did not seem to be an issue at Fernlea, however, it was simply the number of staff employed at the home.

The home’s owners have pledged to act on the report’s recommendations and improve standards at the complex, which includes giving it a major facelift. If Fernlea’s owners fail to act on their promises, the home could end up being closed down by the Care Quality Commission.