(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
A "serious incident" prompted a watchdog probe into a care home which then uncovered issues with mucky floors, dirty toilets.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found a series of problems at Delamere Lodge in Park End, Middlesbrough, during an assessment between January and February this year.
They were initially called after a notification of a 'serious incident'. The incident, no further details of which have been confirmed, was subject to its own further investigation.
That probe has since been concluded, but the CQC was this week unable to confirm whether the home is facing further action.
Alongside that investigation an inspection was carried out of the home, which said ground floor bathrooms and toilets were in 'poor condition' and relatives reported it was 'filthy'
The CQC found stained walls, missing bin liners and a clinical waste bin covered in discarded wipes.
It said: "Personal items and towels were left in sinks and on shower chairs, toilets required cleaning, there were no bin liners in waste bins, and a clinical waste bin had wipes and other items placed on top."
Inspectors also found there was "no hand gel available at sinks".
In the ground floor lounge, the CQC said: "We observed stains and drips on the walls behind chairs, consistent with liquids being spilled, and these had not been effectively cleaned."
Delamere care home, Middlesbrough
(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
A staff member was also caught not using appropriate personal protective equipment while supporting a resident.
The report said relatives had raised concerns about the conditions over a number of months.
One relative described the corridor floors as "filthy and sticky".
The CQC said domestic staff promptly cleaned areas identified by inspectors after feedback was given.
But the report said improvements were "not yet fully sustained".
Fire safety was also criticised, with inspectors finding gaps in fire drill records, including a missing night-time drill which had previously been highlighted by the fire and rescue service.
The CQC rated Delamere Lodge requires improvement overall, with its safe and well-led ratings also requiring improvement.
The report said governance systems did not consistently identify ongoing shortfalls including cleanliness issues.
It said audits had repeatedly highlighted gaps in staff supervision, training and fire safety records during 2025, but timely progress was not always seen.
A 'serious incident' prompted a watchdog investigation into Delamere care home, Middlesbrough that then uncovered more issues.
(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
However, the CQC also found several positives at Delamere Lodge.
The service was rated good for giving effective, caring and responsive care.
Inspectors said people told them they felt cared for and treated with kindness, while relatives described staff as "very kind" and "marvellous, very helpful."
The report said people experienced positive outcomes and staff promoted their wellbeing.
Inspectors observed residents taking part in karaoke, chair-based exercises and games, with people smiling, singing and joining in.
The CQC also said medicines were administered safely and well managed overall, while staffing levels and skills were often sufficient to meet people's needs.
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Staff told inspectors they felt more supported and that recent leadership changes had improved morale.
The report said people generally felt safe in the home and confident raising concerns with staff or managers.
The Northern Echo contacted the home but they did not respond in time for publication.