Merseyside Jewry’s residential home has been found to require improvement by the care watchdog for the second year in succession.

In a new report, the CQC described Stapely  as “shabby” in parts and “not always safe”. It required improvement overall and in the categories of safety and leadership.

The findings were an improvement on the CQC’s 2016 report on the home, where it was found to require improvement in three of the five inspection elements.

Philip Ettinger, a trustee, attributed much of the home’s problems to redevelopment work which has seen its capacity increase from 60 beds to 97.

He added that safety concerns cited by the CQC — including fire doors which did not close automatically and a bedroom door with no doorknob – had now been dealt with.

“Stapely is a very big success story in Liverpool,” he said. “Our care itself is very good and our staff are fantastic, dedicated people.

“You are bound to find from time to time things that need attention. But we are improving and expanding and are making great progress.

“I am 100 per cent confident we will be rated ‘good’ next time.”

Stapely is comprised of three Victorian properties. At the time of the CQC inspection in February, there were 72 residents, 33 receiving nursing care.

According to the report: “Parts of the environment were unsafe. This included fire doors that did not close correctly and windows that were unrestricted. 

“Work on refurbishing and improving the premises was ongoing with recent work including replacing the boilers. Some parts of the home were of a high standard and other parts were shabby.

“A full refurbishment of the remainder of the home was planned to take place in phases.” 

It continued that “systems for formally obtaining the views of people using the service and assessing the quality of the service were not always followed, or effective, at obtaining people’s views and ensuring the building was safe”.

But residents felt safe, enjoyed the meals, received support as needed and were given the proper medication.

Stapely also has non-Jewish residents.