A CARE home has been taken out of special measures following an inspection, but the health watchdog has found that further improvements are still required.

Green Park Care Home in Penketh has been ordered to improve following a visit from the Care Quality Commission in November.

Inspectors raised particular concern over a 'serious choking incident' at the Southwold Crescent home, which can house up to 105 people but had 59 residents at the time of the CQC's visit, which is currently under investigation.

The CQC found that 'people were not always being kept safe from harm', with risk assessments for 16 residents who were vulnerable to choking not in place.

However, inspectors found that residents were 'treated with respect and dignity' by staff, who supported them to 'have maximum choice and control'.

Green Park Care Home had been placed into special measures after an inspection in May last year found that residents were at risk of malnutrition and dehydration.

The CQC's latest report into the home said: "On this inspection, we found the provider had made improvements related to the concerns raised within the warning notices for safe care, treatment and governance.

"These improvements meant the provider had demonstrated they had implemented a robust action plan to address the concerns we raised on the last inspection and within the warning notices.

"However, we identified new concerns related to safe care, treatment and governance on this inspection.

"There remained breaches of the regulations related to safe care, treatment and governance."

Orchard Care Homes, which runs Green Park, said that the CQC's report highlighted 'significant development' that has been made since its previous visit.

A spokesman said: "We are pleased with the positive improvement of the CQC report for the home, which highlights significant development that has been made.

"Particular positive note was given to staff and the stimulating environment, and we are happy with the additional feedback from relatives and visitors.

"The hard work and teamwork of the staff and supporting external services has enabled the home to create a brand new 18-bed dementia unit, which opens this Friday."