STAFF at a Norbiton nursing home failed to report signs of possible abuse of its residents, frustrating investigations into their safety, government inspectors have said.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited the Galsworthy House nursing home, in Kingston Hill, unannounced for two days in March.

Its team found that staff had failed to properly investigate a case of “unexplained bruising” on a resident and that some services were “not safe”.

The regulator also found that some residents did not consistently receive their medicines as prescribed.

Its report, published last week, found the home required improvement in its safety measures, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership.

It said: “Staff were aware of the signs of possible abuse. However, we found that processes were not followed in regards to reporting possible abuse to the local authority safeguarding team.

“Despite the positive comments from people, the provider did not have effective arrangements to ensure the safety of people, staff and visitors to the home.”

“Appropriate investigations could not take place to identify whether abuse had occurred and to protect people from harm.”

The Galsworthy House nursing home can house up to 72 elderly residents, with 68 people living there at the time of the inspection.

During a previous visit, in January and February of last year, the home was found to meet the regulations inspected.

Despite the criticisms, the report did find staff had built “caring working relationships” and rated the service good in that department.

A spokesman for Galsworthy House said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents is our absolute priority and we take feedback from the CQC very seriously.

“We have put in place a thorough action plan to address the areas identified where improvements were needed.

“We welcome the report’s comments that the home is caring, residents feel safe, and relatives are confident the staff team has the knowledge and skills to look after their loved ones.”