Residents and staff at a care home near Sudbury are celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection.

Hillside, in Great Cornard, which is run by Caring Homes, was praised by the health watchdog for the “kind and considerate” staff approach to the care and support of residents.

The grading is a significant result for the home, after it was found to require improvement at its last full CQC inspection in February last year.

Jolene Anderson, manager at Hillside, said: “At Caring Homes we want to ensure that our home is just that – a caring home.

“We are all really pleased that the CQC inspectors have recognised the continuing and ongoing improvements at Hillside and we are delighted with our good rating.

“This is down to the fantastic team here and great support from my senior managers at Caring Homes.

“At Hillside we are always striving to improve in all areas for both our residents and colleagues.

“Our challenge is to ensure that we can consistently deliver and evidence that we are achieving the highest standards. The team at Hillside are committed to every aspect of the care we provide being at a consistently high quality level.”

The home secured a good rating in four of the five CQC categories for its overall good grading, but was found to require improvement in the responsive section.

The report said: “Staff knew the needs and preferences of the people they cared for and people were given reassurance and encouragement when they needed it.

“People’s rights to privacy, dignity and independence were taken into account by staff in the way they cared for them.

“The registered manager encouraged an open, inclusive culture within the home. Relatives were free to visit their family members and were warmly welcomed. “Relatives said they felt comfortable raising any issues or concerns directly with the registered manager.”

Inspectors also noted that when people required assistance, staff responded to their needs quickly and in a sensitive manner.

Hillside, which opened in 2002, offers care for up to 44 residents.

For more information, visit www.caringhomes.org