AVANDALE Lodge nursing home has received a ‘good’ rating from a healthcare regulator after completing an action plan of improvements.

The home in Lostock Gralam was said to ‘require improvement’ by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors last January, but an unannounced routine reinspection last month bumped the rating up to the second highest available.

2019 was a turbulent year as Avandale Lodge axed its nursing service due to inconsistencies with agency staff, leading to some residents being rehomed elsewhere.

But staff and residents in Manchester Road are now celebrating after an inspectors’ report hailed the home as ‘good’ in all areas.

Samantha Farahat, home manager, said: “We couldn’t be happier with the result of our recent inspection, it is a real testament to the amazing work of the whole team.”

As well as improvements across the board, there was individual praise for Samantha, who took over after the 2019 inspection.

The CQC report said: “Staff and relatives spoke positively of the new registered manager. We also received positive feedback from the local authority about improvements that had been made in recent months.”

“Staff were motivated to deliver a high standard of care. They were well trained and told us they felt more positive and supported in their role.

“People had access to healthcare and the registered manager worked closely with other agencies to ensure successful outcomes were achieved.”

Inspectors reviewed areas of concern and records before and during the visit, at which point they also spoke to three of the 12 residents, their relatives, and seven members of staff.

There are plans for further refurbishment and renovation of Avandale Lodge, with a focus on improving the environment for people living with dementia.

Robert Wheatley, area director at home operator HC-One, said: “Congratulations to Avandale Lodge. This achievement demonstrates the hard work and kindness which is provided by the team each and every day.”

Avandale Lodge will be opening its doors on Tuesday, March 3 for the home’s first dementia-friendly coffee morning of the year.

HC-One’s director of memory care, Prof Graham Stokes will be leading a discussion on a variety of topics surrounding dementia.

All are welcome to attend the coffee morning, which will run from 10.30am until noon – the first of the home’s monthly coffee mornings for 2020 taking place on the first Tuesday of each month.