HEALTH watchdogs have praised the improvements made at a Hampshire care home since it failed an inspection.

A new report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) says standards have improved at Fordingbridge Care Home, which caters for people suffering from dementia.

A previous report issued earlier this year criticised unsafe medicine management and also said some staff were failing to treat residents with respect.

But two warning notices imposed after the inspection have now been withdrawn following improvements.

The new report, based on two unannounced inspections carried out in August and September, says medicines are being handled safely and staff are treating people with kindness and respect.

It adds: “Staff were vigilant and acted quickly to respond to people who called for assistance. When people indicated they were in pain, staff responded appropriately with reassurance and compassion.” 

Sentinel Health, which runs the home, said: “We were devastated by the last report and have pulled out all the stops to improve. We have introduced more training. We have a new system for medication control and have appointed an external auditor to audit care plans, medicine and all clinical areas.”

The manager, Sheila Pickering, added: “We are all united in our aim to put residents first and to ensure Fordingbridge Care Home is a centre of excellence.”