A TOP nursing home has received a damning report from inspectors.

Watchdogs found that the carpets at the Bupa-run Bedford House Care Home, in Leigh, stuck to their feet, the corridors smelled of urine and residents were only bathed once a week.

Inspectors from the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) visited the home last December following a complaint from a friend of a resident. The Battersby Street home was failed on 27 inspection points.

A member of staff was sacked after the dossier was published.

BUPA, the registered provider of care at Bedford Care home, said that it has taken the findings of the report seriously and an action plan had been put in place to address areas of concern.

The inspection, which took place on December 3,4 and 9, found that corridor carpets on Beech Unit were 'stained, smelt strongly of urine and were sticking to the inspector's shoes'.

Inspectors found that residents were 'infrequently' bathed -- there was 'often more than seven days between baths' -- and 'service users have little choice and control over their lives'.

The report also criticised staffing levels -- and said that employees were neither adequately trained nor experienced enough to provide terminal care for residents.

Bob Maclean, BUPA Care Homes regional director, said: "I can confirm that a member of staff has been dismissed. Quality of care is extremely important and we take the findings of any inspection report very seriously and work to continuously improve wherever we can.

"The report highlighted issues that we were working on. We have worked hard, in conjunction with the National Care Standards Commission to ensure that all areas are being addressed.

"Issues relating to medication and staffing levels were addressed immediately. Staff have been reminded of BUPA's medication policies and procedures and have attended training courses as recommended by the NCSC.

"An action plan is in place. More managerial and caring staff members have been appointed, a six-month training plan has been provided for staff and a complete refurbishment of one unit has been planned."

A spokeswoman for the NCSC confirmed that the home had received a copy of the report and said: "The management of the home is taking steps to ensure that the welfare of residents is met. The report is a snapshot and there was a problem with a change of management at that time. But there is a new management team in place ensuring that the standard of care is met at the home."