A DEMENTIA care home in Oxford has seen standards slump after its CQC rating plummeted from outstanding to requires improvement.

Vale House in Sandford Road, Sandford-on-Thames was told to make improvements by national health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission, following an unannounced visit by inspectors in September.

The CQC found the home did not always take the necessary steps to minimise the risks, while accidents and incidents were not always managed effectively.

Risk assessments were not always accurate or up to date, with inspectors highlighting one patient's data which showed conflicting information about seizures.

The inspection team also found the home had not consulted with pharmacists when administering drugs 'covertly', as per national guidelines.

Questions were also raised over the home's management with the report stating that in November 2016 leaders at the home had not referred a former employee to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The incident was so serious that it resulted in the staff member being dismissed, according to the CQC.

Although the inspectors found the service to not always be safe, relatives said they felt people were kept safe at the home.

Inspectors said staff received regular supervision, including a one to one meeting with their manager, while staff told the CQC team they felt supported.

The home, which was caring for 38 residents at the time of the inspection, was rated as requires improvement for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership, while the CQC rated the home's care as good.

The CQC had given the home its highest rating of outstanding following its previous inspection in May 2016.

Manager at Vale House Tricia O'Leary said: "We are very sad about the outcome, especially compared to out previous rating of outstanding.

"We are pleased that the inspectors saw our care as good, their main issues were to do with our record keeping, which we know is very important.

"We have already got to work to make sure the necessary improvements are undertaken."

Ms O'Leary added that the home would striving to regain its outstanding rating.