Praise from inspectors for improved Colchester care home rated ‘good’

A care home which had been rated as needing improvement by inspectors has now been classed as good in all areas.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has praised progress made at the St Fillan’s Care Centre in Colchester.

A previous inspection in May 2013 had raised issues of concern, including a shortage of staff and care and welfare of residents.

But no such issues were flagged up at the home, which had 51 residents at the time of the unannounced inspection last November.

In its report, inspectors said: “People were treated with care and compassion and staff understood the things that people enjoyed or disliked.

“Staff treated people with respect and protected their dignity when providing care and support.

“Communication between staff and people who lived in the service was good. When people were unable to make their views known verbally, staff understood the different ways that they communicated their needs and feelings and supported them in ways that reduced their anxieties.”

The service had sufficient staff, the CQC said, and morale was high among the workforce.

Inspectors also praised the open culture at the facility and its leadership.

Their views reflected interviews held with residents and their families.

The range of activities was also welcomed by inspectors.

Janet Beacham, manager of the Excel Care Group home, said: “We are delighted with the good ratings from the CQC.

“All our staff remain committed to providing high quality care to our residents on a daily basis.

“We have done really well to get the five good ratings, and I am pleased with the improvements.”

The care home is launching a monthly community coffee morning, open to the public, on the first Thursday of every month from 10.30am until noon, beginning tomorrow.

There will also be an open day on June 19 as part of National Care Home Day.