A RUNCORN care home has been rated ‘good’ by health inspectors – although they say the safety of residents could be improved.

Beechcroft Nursing and Residential Home was visited by representatives of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last month.

On the days of the inspection, there were 46 people living at the home.

Inspectors focused on the key questions of safe, effective and well-led, which they combined with ratings awarded at the previous inspection in April to calculate the overall rating.

They made several recommendations regarding safety to further improve the services provided by the care home.

In their report, inspectors said: “Risks to people's health and safety had been assessed and staff took action to keep people safe.

“However, we have made a recommendation regarding care plans and risk monitoring charts.

“While observations showed there enough staff to meet people's needs and keep them safe, we received mixed feedback from people, family members and staff regarding staffing levels.”

Inspectors found the home, environment and equipment were clean and hygienic, with staff responsible for the cleanliness of the service successfully completing regular cleaning tasks.

After assessing people’s needs, inspectors found the care delivered by staff to be in line with best practice, including supporting people to maintain a balanced diet and accessing external support from health and social care professionals when necessary.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice,” the report added.

“The provider's governance systems were effective at identifying issues within the service to help drive necessary improvements.”

“The management team was working with staff to help promote a more positive culture within the home.

“We received positive feedback from people and family members about the service that was provided.”