A Romsey care home has said it is "back where it belongs" after sailing through its latest inspection with flying colours.

The team at Marie Louise House Care Home in Romsey is celebrating, having been awarded “Good” in their latest visit from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The 46-bed care home was rated “Good” in all five key lines of the CQC’s enquiry: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led.

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The home has invested significantly in electronic software to assist with the implementation, monitoring and analysis of care plans and staff training.

It has also employed a permanent, full-time trainer who continuously supports staff, specifically around residents’ individual needs, and is on-hand every day to answer questions.

During the latest unannounced inspection which started January 31, the CQC spoke to residents and their families, as well as numerous staff members.

As a result, they praised the home in the report, saying it had “observed safe staffing levels throughout the inspection and staff appeared unhurried and responsive to people".

People and their relatives told of how they felt "safe and liked living at the home” and “were positive about the quality of care and support people received”.

Residents and their families “knew who they could talk to if they had any worries or concerns”. In addition, the report said “leaders and the culture they created promoted high-quality, person-centred care” and “an open, fair culture.”

Sue Arquier, the care home’s registered manager, was praised in the report, along with her deputy manager.

Sue said: “We are back where we belong. Over the past two years, Covid caused many difficulties.

"We are thrilled that our determined hard work and investment in the processes and practices in looking after our wonderful residents has been recognised.

"Our investment in an electronic auditing system that works on mobile devices means less time is spent filling out physical paperwork and more time providing the personal care to our residents that we are so passionate about.

“The impact of having a staff trainer continuously at the home has made a fundamentally positive difference. Staff receive training around each resident’s specific needs and know who to ask if they ever have any questions. Our care is more bespoke and better than ever before.

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“But we’re not stopping here. We are always looking at ways to improve, innovate and develop. We are science and research-led and new research is always coming out on how to look after older people and those with dementia. Only two to three per cent of care homes are awarded 'outstanding' by the CQC, but that is what we are aiming for.”

The care home is run by Healthcare Management Trust (HMT), a charity which provides health and social care while reinvesting any surplus income back into dementia care research.

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