HEALTH watchdogs have praised the improvements carried out at a Fordingbridge care home since it was branded “unsafe” and “inadequate” following a previous inspection.

Glynn Court in Fordingbridge has been given an overall rating of “good” after a follow-up visit by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates the industry.

The earlier inspection, carried out in October last year, identified a series of failings at the 31-bed home.

According to CQC inspectors, records relating to the administration of medicines and the monitoring of wounds were inadequate and there were not always enough staff on duty to help the pensioners eat their meals.

But the latest report says Glynn Court is safe, caring and effective.

Inspectors made an unannounced visit to the home and found that the new manager and her colleagues had worked together to make “significant and visible” improvements.

The report adds: “People living at the home were all complimentary about the quality of care and management.

“The manager and deputy manager promoted a culture of openness and there was a clear management structure, with systems to monitor the quality of care and deliver improvements.

“Staff told us morale at the home was now good and they felt supported, which they had not done before.”

The report says people living at the home were protected from possible harm.

It adds: “Staff were knowledgeable about the home’s safety processes and procedures and who to contact of they had any concerns. This information was also on display for people and relatives if they needed it.

“Staff told us they felt they would be taken seriously and concerns would be acted upon. They had not felt this way before.”

Summing up, the report adds: “The quality and consistency of care had improved since our last inspection.

“The manager had implemented a range of improvements, with the support of the deputy manager, provider and staff.

“There was a strong commitment to provide personalised care, in line with people’s needs and preferences, and to create a homely, welcoming improvement.”

A Glynn Court spokesman said the directors had appointed a new manager following the previous inspection.

He added: “The management team implemented changes to the paperwork to reflect changes in the needs of each resident.

“They also made training one of their top priorities to ensure staff provide the highest level of care.”