A room full to head-height with waste and a nurse left to look after 27 elderly and frail people - they are just two of the shocking failings at a nursing home shut down by a health and social care watchdog in December according to a new report.

Merok Park Nursing Home, in Park Road, Banstead, was closed after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified that its residents - many of whom were dementia sufferers - were at significant risk of harm.

FROM DECEMBER 9, 2014: 'Massive upheaval' for elderly dementia sufferers after inspectors swoop to close Banstead nursing home

FROM DECEMBER 15, 2014: Closure of second care home owned by couple who ran 'failing' Merok Park

Yesterday, the CQC published its detailed findings from two unannounced inspections last November and December after concerns had already been raised about the care being received by residents there.

The watchdog rated the home, run by Cheam millionaire Soondressen Cooppen and his wife Maleenee, as "inadequate" overall, failing to provide care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

One resident said: "This place is going to kill me."

The CQC said the findings of the inspections led to the decision to urgently shut it down just weeks before Christmas, after Mr and Mrs Cooppen did not make the improvements required.

Findings from the inspection included:

  • At times one nurse was left looking after 27 people
  • A disused bathroom was full to head-height with rubbish
  • Residents were trapped upstairs for a month when a lift broke
  • A resident who was recorded as being allergic to fish was given fish and chips for lunch
  • Residents did not have easy access to call bells
  • Some staff had not had criminal records checks
  • There was no evidence all nurses were registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council 
  • Inspectors witnessed staff being rough with residents
  • Frail, elderly residents were washed in cold water
  • There was an overpowering smell of urine, mouldy walls, broken taps and stained carpets

One healthcare professional said afterwards: "It is the most uncomfortable care home visit I've ever done."

Adrian Hughes, deputy chief inspector of adult social care for CQC, said: "Inspectors found that Mr and Mrs S Cooppen had allowed the home to deteriorate to such an extent that people were exposed to risk of harm. 

"When the concerns were brought to the provider’s attention they failed to take action to improve the situation.

"The environmental and staffing issues could have been quickly remedied but the providers were unwilling or unable to take the necessary action.

"It is simply unacceptable for people to be washed in cold water, this does not promote or protect their dignity.

"When people using care services rely on others for support to eat, that support must be there and provided in a kind, compassionate and dignified way. 

"To allow the smell of urine in the home to become so overwhelming was symptomatic of the provider’s inability to monitor the quality of the care and take action when needed.

"The provision of a working lift is essential not just to help with mobility and transportation around the home, but it should also provide opportunities for them to mix with others and become involved in activities around the home. 

"Staff from CQC, the council and clinical commissioning group visited the home every day until the day of the transfer on Tuesday 9, December.

"Alternative accommodation was found for all residents and arrangements were made.

"On the day of the transfer, the ambulances did not arrive on time which meant that residents were delayed in leaving the home into the evening.

"We are sorry for the distress this caused to those living at the home and their relatives.

"We do not take decisions like this lightly and no doubt the delay made a distressing time for the residents worse but leaving them in such an appalling care home would have meant exposing them at even greater risk."

Alfred Dodd, 85, died of pneumonia 48 hours after being moved out of Merok Park on the day.

Just a few hours' notice was given to residents of the move.

To read the full report visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-150028960.

Have you been affected by your experiences at a care home? Contact Hardeep Matharu by calling 020 8722 6346 or by emailing hmatharu@london.newsquest.co.uk.