Care home staff 'should be proud' over good rating

ADR Care Homes Ltd, which runs Hill House, now use "detailed and improved risk assessments and care plans".

A care home which was put into special measures after being rated inadequate twice has received a good rating after its latest inspection.

Hill House, in Ellington, Cambridgeshire, which provides personal care to adults, some of whom have dementia, was initially placed in special measures in June 2023.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors "found the home had made significant improvements in all aspects of service and was no longer in breach of regulations".

CQC deputy director of operations Stuart Dunn said "Everyone at Hill House should be proud of the improvements they've made."

'Patient and thoughtful'

The inspectorate had previously found rooms were dirty and mouldy, food was forced into a a patient's mouth even though they were choking and a poor care culture had become "normalised".

Following an inspection in November, Mr Dunn said: "People told us they feel supported by staff who know them well and adapted their care to meet their individual needs.

"One relative shared how staff had been patient and thoughtful in helping their family member regain confidence and strength after a couple of falls."

He said leaders from ADR Care Homes Ltd, which runs Hill House, had "transformed how they manage risks by using detailed and improved risk assessments and care plans".

Staff were also working closely with external health professionals and the home had enough skilled and experienced staff.

Other findings included:

• Staff listening to feedback from people and families and introducing new afternoon activities and visiting services

• The home had significantly enhanced the environment, with one resident saying their room was spotless and felt like home

• Leaders worked to foster to a more inclusive and collaborative atmosphere

However, the home was told further improvements were needed - local leaders and staff needed further support to take on management locally and the service still lacked clear systems of accountability and governance in some areas.