A CARE home in Ayr has been praised by inspectors for improving its quality standards following a series of critical reports.

Heathfield House, which can hold up to 88 older people, was visited by three inspectors from watchdog body the Care Inspectorate over two days earlier this month.

A previous report last October had found the home 'weak' in all inspection categories.

However following the latest visits the Care Inspectorate has now upgraded the Forbes Drive facility to 'good' in the same categories.

The watchdog assessed the quality of the home's support for residents' wellbeing, its leadership, staff team, setting and planning of care and support.

The latest report, published after an inspection on April 18 and 19, said: "The staff teams had worked hard to meet requirements identified in the previous inspection and improve outcomes for people.

"There were kind and friendly relationships between people living in the home and staff working there.

"People spoke positively about the standard of food served and the good range of menu choices."

"Family members said that they were reassured that their relative was receiving good healthcare.

"Housekeeping teams were evident in the home and the addition of a twilight shift helped to ensure that acceptable standards were being maintained."

The report said there was still room for improvement at the home, particularly with medication management, and said the range and accessibility of patient activities should also be improved.

It added: "People living in Heathfield House benefited from being supported by staff who were familiar with their needs.

"There was a monthly activity plan in place and important events in people's lives were celebrated.

"External healthcare professionals were called promptly for advice and support when needed.

"Staff commented positively about the training that they attended

"There was an improved overview and monitoring of wound care. Records clearly showed how wound care was being managed."

The report was the the latest a series of visits by the Care Inspectorate to the home in the last six months.

Back in November, the Advertiser reported that inspectors had concerns regarding the management of residents' continence needs, the management of medication, and the approach to care by some staff.

Inspectors also found a risk of infection in the home.

Eight requirements were put in place by the Care Inspectorate following the October 25 visit.

A follow-up report in January found that some of these requirements were still not being met, and that in one of the home's four units, some bedroom doors were found to be locked.

Alice Thomas, who is manager of Heathfield House, welcomed the latest report and said staff had worked hard to meet the inspectors' requirements.

She said: "We have been working tirelessly at the home to make improvements to the service we offer and our efforts have been recognised and validated by the Care Inspectorate following our inspection on April 18 and 19..

"We have had such a difficult time recently and are keen for people to know about all the hard work we are doing within our community.

"I’m very thankful to all our residents, staff, families and friends of the home for helping to make it the community that it is."