Officials at a mental health unit in Norwich have been told to take action to improve following an inspection by England's health regulator.

The Norvic Clinic in Thorpe St Andrew was found to be failing in the 'care and welfare of people who use services' after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited in February.

Inspectors found 'inconsistencies' in patient records at the medium secure clinic, which cares for up to 51 adults, and is run by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

The CQC carried out the inspection on February 21 and have called on the mental health trust to produce an action plan for improvement by May 2. Inspectors said that there was 'a risk that people did not always experience care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights.' However, their findings posed a 'minor' impact on patients.

The CQC said care plans and risk assessments were not always completed or reviewed. Inspectors said they found frequent gaps in some patients' weight records, including one who had an eating disorder. Staff on one of the wards also reported that leave was frequently cancelled because of insufficient staffing.

A report found the Norvic Clinic to be compliant in the other outcomes inspected, including consent to care and treatment, complaints, premises safety and requirements relating to workers.

Karen Clements, secure services manager for the NHS trust, said: 'We welcome the report and are pleased with the overall findings, however we recognise there are areas highlighted that need improving.

'Patient safety is our top priority and we already have plans in place to address the points raised in the report.'