IMPROVEMENTS made at a care home in Howley satisfied inspectors enough to merit its rating being upgraded to ‘good’.

Representatives of the Care Quality Commission visited Cromwell Court last month, where they were told by relatives of the home’s ‘amazing’ staff.

The last rating for the service, which was run by a previous provider at the time, was ‘requires improvement’ in September 2019.

However, since a new provider for the service was registered in March 2020, CQC inspectors found that improvements had been made, and the home was no longer in breach of regulations.

At the time of the inspection, 64 people were living at the Church Street residence.

In their report published this month, inspectors said: “People received care and treatment that was centred around their support needs, areas of risk were routinely managed and people told us they felt safe living at Cromwell Court.

“One relative told us: “Most definitely [person] is kept safe because of the care they receive, you have a feel for a place, they [staff] are all amazing.”

“An external healthcare professional told us that staff knew people well, people were well looked after and there were no concerns around the provision of care people received.

“Staff were supported with the necessary training and knew how to raise their concerns.”

Overall governance and quality assurance measures were in place, although further improvements were required, the report says.

However, one relative told inspectors: “I do think [person] is safe. I cannot stress to you how much we feel that [person] is safe, clean and happy.”

Safe medication arrangements were in place, and residents received support with their medicines from staff who were fully trained.

Staffing levels were also routinely monitored and safe recruitment procedures were in place.

The report adds: “Staff told us they felt thoroughly supported and were able to complete training to enhance and develop their skills, qualities and experience.

“We were generally assured that safe and effective infection prevention and control procedures were in place.

“We observed staff wearing the appropriate PPE, they were engaged in a routine testing regime and were aware of the different IPC measures that needed to be complied with.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their own lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.”