AN OVERTON care home where residents were said to be at risk of harm from infection and malnutrition has improved, according to a watchdog.

As previously reported in The Gazette, Beech Tree Care Home, in Sprents Lane, was found to be “inadequate” in all areas by the Care Quality Commission, following a visit in December.

The damning report said staff were “stretched to breaking point” and “people were at risk of harm from infections caused by unclean surroundings”.

The CQC carried out an unannounced inspection in May, and a report published on July 30 said it is now “good” overall.

At the time there were 25 people living at Beech Tree and no registered manager in post.

The report said: “We found the provider had taken action to ensure the requirements of the regulations had been met.”

It added: “The provider had taken action to keep the home clean and hygienic. Cleaning staff were diligent and understood how their role was important to people’s safety. People were protected from the harm of acquired infections.

“There was a robust system to ensure staffing levels were always appropriate to meet people’s needs. The provider had recruited more nurses and had not used agency nurses since January, 2015.”

However, the CQC found that the home had compromised the safety of people living with diabetes, because “staff had not made appropriate referrals to health professionals”.

The CQC heard that there had been a “remarkable transformation” at the home, which is run by Leyton Healthcare.

One relative said: “It is amazing. The whole place was filthy and there was always a horrible smell. Now it smells clean and fresh.”