Following Astbury Mere's most recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, the health and social care regulator has praised the Congleton home for the examples of good practice in place to combat the Covid-19 virus and for the continued safety of residents and staff.

In a report published at the beginning of April, the watchdog assessed the home, rating them 'Assured' across all eight domains. The home which is run by Porthaven Care Homes was rated 'Good' overall.

The domains covered everything from the shielding and testing processes to the safety of the premises and their use of PPE.

Inspectors stated that all visitors to the home were appropriately monitored before they entered to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, whilst the home was confirmed to be clean and hygienic with enhanced cleaning schedules, in response to the pandemic.

Staff were observed to have access to suitable PPE, such as disposable gloves, aprons and face masks and it was noted that they felt a 'sense of achievement in their response to the pandemic and considered that positive teamwork at all levels had been fostered.'

Most importantly, those living at Astbury Mere said they felt quite safe whilst relatives also confirmed their satisfaction with the way in which their loved ones had been cared for over the last year.

A family member commented: "I give the care home 10001 percent. Nothing has been too much trouble for the staff during Covid. All staff from management, care staff and housekeepers – absolutely brilliant."

Astbury Mere home manager, Emma Harding, was delighted by the findings of the Care Quality Commission, saying: "The last year has been a challenging time for both our residents and staff but we have worked hard to ensure everyone has remained happy, healthy and safe.

"To have our hard work and methods of good practice praised by the CQC is confirmation that we've been doing our jobs well and that is really rewarding."

Astbury Mere Care Home provides 24-hour dementia, residential, nursing and respite care for a broad range of health requirements, on a long or short-term basis.