'Marked change' at care home after concerns found

Eastfield care home was rated "inadequate" in February after inspectors found several issues

There has been a "marked change" at a care home in Maidstone which was placed into special measures following an inspection last October, a watchdog says.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Eastfield as "inadequate" overall in February, before inspectors returned in July and gave it a "good" rating after they found improvements had been made.

Inspectors observed a better service which had resulted in a "positive impact on staff and an improved culture".

Lauren Traveller, the manager of the home run by Bureaucom Limited, says its improved rating reflects the "dedication and compassion of our team".

She said: "We've worked incredibly hard to turn things around."

Manager Lauren Traveller says staff have worked "incredibly hard" to improve since the previous inspection

Inspectors found an "unacceptable" standard of care during the October inspection, meaning that the facility could then not admit anyone new without the agreement of the CQC.

Following the most recent inspection those restrictions have now been lifted and the service is no longer in special measures.

Improvements included better morale among the adequate number of staff who had received the necessary training for the role, the CQC said.

Medicines practices were safe and staff worked closely with external health professionals to help ensure people received appropriate care from across various services when they needed it, inspectors reported.

Residents told them they were happy at Eastfield and this was echoed by their relatives.

This was a contrast from the October inspection when it was reported that staff were failing to treat the 43 residents with dignity.

Ms Traveller said: "Whilst we are proud of this outcome, we remain committed to listening, learning and growing so that we can keep raising our standards even higher."