AN OVERTON care home where residents were at risk of harm could have its registration cancelled.

Beech Tree Care Home, in Sprents Lane, had previously been graded as “inadequate” in every area, following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

A damning report, published last month, found the home to be unsafe and said residents were at risk of harm from infection and malnutrition.

Now Adrian Hughes, deputy chief inspector of adult social care at the CQC, has said the watchdog could take further enforcement action at Beech Tree.

He added: “We will inspect again and if we do not see that improvement has been made we will take further enforcement action which could include proposing to cancel the registration of the provider.”

The home was inspected in response to concerns which were raised with the CQC.

Mr Hughes said: “The inspection was undertaken using our new approach which asks five key questions. Is the service caring? Is the service safe? Is the service responsive? Is the service effective?

Is the service well led?”

“Our judgement against the five key questions and the service overall rated the service at Beech Tree Care Home as inadequate.

The rating signals to the provider that action is required or enforcement action will be taken.”

Hampshire County Council, which has an overarching safeguarding responsibility for adult social care across the county, said: “Concerns raised with us about private care homes are always investigated and we take action in accordance with our safeguarding duties.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of those being cared for.”

The Andover Advertiser contacted the care home but it did not wish to comment.