A PRUDHOE care home manager is "ecstatic" after seeing its Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating improve.

Havendene Residential Home, ran by Vmaria & Rawther UK Ltd, had previously been rated as 'requiring improvement' by the watchdog. But on a recent inspection that rating was boosted to 'good.'

The care home was inspected in October and its report published this month (December).

"We're absolutely ecstatic", said manager Amanda Brooks, who got her registration in August. "I have been in post for a year now and my aim was to get the overall rating to good which, as a team, we have achieved.

"It's been the most difficult year for everybody in care and for us to be able to get that, to me, it's just as good as outstanding.

"You only ever hear the horror stories of Covid and care homes and we're just not recognised enough. I wanted my team recognised for it."

The Front Street home has 22 staff and provides accommodation for up to 25 people over 65 who require nursing or personal care and/or dementia or physical disabilities.

In all of the key categories: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, the care home was rated as being good.

The report said: "People praised the way the service was managed and had confidence in the service.

"People had good relationships with the registered manager and staff team. They told us, "staff are always very nice to us", "I feel safe and well-looked after" and "we get very good care."

"Safe infection control and prevention practices were followed. People and staff had regular testing for Covid-19. Staff received training in the appropriate use of PPE. We saw staff followed current government guidance."

It added: "The provider and registered manager carried out regular checks of the safety and quality of the service.

"People and staff were asked for their views and these were acted upon."