A HOOK care home which has been rated as ‘inadequate’ has been removed from special measures protocol after its latest inspection.

The initial visit in November 2015 by Care Quality Commission (CQC) saw Rowan Lodge in Crown Lane put into special measures in March due to “inadequate care”.

Residents were also believed to have been at risk following the inspection. However, the care home has now turned the previous report on its head having made significant improvements.

Following a follow-up visit in August, a report released this autumn said CQC had taken the care home, which is part of family-run care provider Forest Care, out of special measures and into the “requires improvement” category.

Rowan Lodge is a care home which provides care and support for approximately 60 older people who need residential or nursing care, or are living with dementia.

Mark Vickery, Rowan Lodge director was pleased with August’s report and emphasised that significant improvements have been made further since the summer.

“We are very pleased with the latest CQC report and that the hard work of all the staff has been recognised.

“We are looking forward to further enhancing that good work and to ensuring the best life experience possible for our residents and relatives.”

The latest report said: “At our previous inspection in November, 2015 we found people did not always receive the appropriate care and support they required to keep them safe.

“At this inspection we found people’s risks to their health and safety had been identified and arrangements had been put in place to keep people safe.

“Staff understood people’s risks and how to keep them safe.”

It added: “People received the support they needed to eat and drink sufficiently to remain hydrated and well nourished. People told us they liked the food.

“People were supported to stay healthy and the service worked closely with the local GP surgery and other health professionals.

“People told us they had positive relationships with staff. They experienced staff to be kind and caring. The provider had reviewed the number and skills of staff required on each shift.

“The manager was monitoring the deployment of staff to ensure people would always receive support promptly when required.”