A CARE home in Grappenhall has been taken out of special measures, but has been told it must improve further by the healthcare regulator.

Victoria House was stopped from admitting new residents after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission in July last year, which found that parts of the care home were infested with flies while one person who required a sugar-free diet was fed cake and ice cream.

But the Victoria Road care home has now been taken out of special measures following a re-inspection in November and December, and admissions have now resumed.

However, the service was ordered to improve further by the CQC – with three continued breaches of health and social care regulations found by inspectors.

A report into the home by the CQC said: “At this inspection, we found that some improvements had been made within the service, although we were concerned that progress had been slow.

“Improvements were seen to the cleanliness of the premises, the provision of person-centred care and staffing.

“This included better monitoring of staff levels and more specific training and support for staff.

“However, all potential risks had not always been fully assessed and recorded within people’s care records.

“Whilst some improvements were noted to the provision of food, we found that systems for monitoring people’s nutritional needs were inconsistent and confusing.”

Run by WH Investments, Victoria House can cater for up to 30 residents – with 17 people living in the care home at the time of the inspection.

Manager Belinda Byron said: “Lots of improvements have been made to the service.

“The home has undergone decorating, flooring has been replaced, new furniture for bedrooms has been bought and the full environmental side of the home has made massive improvements.

“All service user care plans have been rewritten and updated to become more person-centred, and correct risk assessment have been put in place.

“A recruitment drive within the home has been ongoing over the last three months to ensure the home has the correct staffing levels and knowledge and experienced staff to ensure service users and supported and cared for in the best possible way.

“Training of staff is ongoing in all areas to help keep staff knowledgeable.”