Advinia Health Care is “pursuing legal means” to challenge an Inadequate CQC rating.

The care home operator said it was disappointed by the inspection report for Stonedale Lodge in Liverpool.

A spokesperson said the report contained a “number of misrepresentations” that did not reflect the quality of care at the service, adding Advinia was “pursuing legal means to challenge this inspection report on a number of fronts, particularly concerning blood pressure monitoring and basic housekeeping tasks”.

The spokesperson added: “It is disappointing that Stonedale Lodge is being so heavily sanctioned by the CQC considering it is well regarded by the local community and has a good reputation with our key partners, including the local authority, who inspected the service earlier this month, did not highlight any concerns and are still happy to make placements in the home.

“We are taking steps to resolve some of the concerns raised by the inspection but remain of the view that this report, and the proposed action by the CQC, is wholly disproportionate.”

Karen Knapton, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said people’s needs weren’t consistently being managed appropriately placing them at risk of harm.

The CQC said one person at risk of a stroke was not having their blood pressure taken regularly and another was not being given a high fibre diet as required placing them at risk of constipation.

The regulator also noted some people “looking unkempt with dirty fingernails and unbrushed teeth” and beds with stained pillowcases.

On a positive note, the CQC acknowledged the manager’s efforts to “implement structure at the home and improve areas of concerns, and staff spoke positively about this, but it was too early to see any real progress”.

Knapton added: “We have told leaders where we expect to see improvements and will continue to monitor the home closely to keep people safe during this time. We will return to check on their progress and won’t hesitate to take further action if people aren’t receiving the care they have a right to expect.”