THE care industry watchdog has taken enforcement action against two North-East homes found to be under-performing in key areas.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) issued formal warnings to Newbus Grange, in Neasham, near Darlington, and Whorlton Grange, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

CQC inspections at both premises earlier this year found failings in record-keeping at Newbus Grange, as well as staffing, care and welfare at Whorlton Grange.

Newbus Grange, which is owned by troubled Darlington-based firm Castlebeck Care, was found to be meeting the required standards in all but one area.

It provides hospital services for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and problems with substance misuse.

Whorlton Grange, a care home with accommodation for up to 27 people, met the required standard in two out of six categories, with enforcement action taken in two areas and a further two assessed as ‘action needed’.

The CQC report found patients at Newbus Grange were not protected against the risks of unsafe treatment because of a lack of accurate and up-to-date records kept about them.

It read: “We have judged that this has had a major impact on people who use the service and have taken enforcement action against this provider.”

The home has been served with a warning notice to improve record-keeping by July 31.

In 2011, 11 members of staff at a Castlebeck-run home in Gloucestershire were sentenced for their roles in the abuse of patients following an undercover investigation by the BBC Panorama programme.

The company went into administration in March, with a takeover understood to be imminent.

Inspectors found patients at Whorlton Grange, which is operated by Bhachu Care Limited, did not experience care and support that meets their needs.

Enforcement action over staffing levels is also being taken, as the report found the home had insufficient qualified, skilled and experienced staff.

Inspectors witnessed one patient urinate in their clothes because no staff were available to help them to the bathroom.

The provider given a deadline of June 17 to improve matters. Whorlton manager Janet Swinburn said the improvements required by the CQC have now been made.

Castlebeck medical director Steve Wilkinson, on behalf of Newbus Grange, said: "There are no grounds for complacency to meet the one issue identified in the report, for there to be greater accuracy in completing patients’ medical records.

“We will continue to support the team at Newbus Grange in meeting these goals."