Glemsford care home The Briars welcomes recognition of recent improvements in latest CQC report

A residential care home near Sudbury has welcomed a positive assessment from the national care regulator, following its first inspection under new ownership.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) awarded a good rating to The Briars – a care facility based on Hunts Hill, in Glemsford, which supports older people and those living with dementia.

Inspectors praised the lessons learned from past incidents and feedback at the home and the solutions found to issues around staffing, medicine management and the environment.

In particular, the CQC report highlighted the improvements made to enhance the safety and appearance of the adapted premises, which can care for up to 17 people.

“There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and they knew how to support people in a person-centred way and in a way that promoted their independence,” the report said.

“Staff treated people with kindness and respect and knew people they supported well. Staff were well trained to carry out their role and received positive support from management.

“People were actively involved in decision making about their care and staff ensured people and their families felt included and their views and preferences were listened to and acted upon.”

It was the first inspection since The Briars was acquired by the Lodge Care Group at the end of 2023.

The group’s managing director, Kay Naidoo, said they were pleased to see recent changes to the service had been recognised by the regulator.

He added that the management and staff would continue to work towards further improvements over the coming years.

“Having taken on the care home over a year ago, we recognised that we needed to make changes,” he said.

“The CQC and Suffolk County Council were very supportive and collaborative.

“It is still a work in progress, but everyone is very much invested in doing the best for the residents.”