A CARE home has been taken out of special measures after inspectors found significant improvements had been made.

Crouched Friars was placed under special watch in August following a damning inspection by the Care Quality Commission where it was rated inadequate in all areas.

The 2019 report said residents were left “vulnerable to abuse” and suffered unexplained bruising whilst living at the property.

However its latest report, following an on-site inspection last month, saw the home improve four ratings to requires improvement and one to good.

The home is still rated requires improvement overall, however the watchdog saw enough improvement to take it out of special measures.

The report states: "The service was improving and feedback from people, relatives and staff was positive.

"Risk assessments were in place on areas such as health and safety, equipment and the environment.

"There were systems and processes in place to protect people from abuse.

"Staff had received training and were clear about the need to escalate matters of concerns such as bruising."

The report said further work was needed to improve things like infection control and care plans but positive changes were being made.

It said: "This service was on an upward trajectory and while it was positive to see the change in key areas, further work is needed to embed the changes and ensure people receive a consistent level of service over a sustained period of time."

Care home manager Paulina Eagle was brought to turn around Crouched Friars' fortunes after the last inspection.

She said: "We are working extremely hard to address further improvements required and the team continues to work very closely with the CQC and local authority to ensure our residents are safe.

“We have now fully recruited an experienced care staff team who are involved in an ongoing development and training programme, and we are confident that each inspection will be an improvement on the last.

“We want to thank staff for their motivation and dedication and residents and relatives for their patience whilst we go through this transition period.”

The care home has introduced Dementia Friends sessions, intergenerational visits from a local nursery, singing entertainment and has employed a new activities manager to improve the environment.

Crouched Friars, in Crouch Street, cares for up to 56 elderly residents, some with dementia.