A respite centre previously told to improve its care for residents has bounced back with a 'Good' rating from health inspectors.

Seeleys House Short Breaks Centre in Beaconsfield has received a 'Good' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC)  

​The facility provides respite care for people with learning and/or physical disabilities, and is registered to support up to 12 residents.

The CQC inspection, which took place in January 2023, found that the service received a consistent ‘Good’ rating across all categories, including safety, effectiveness and leadership.

This marks a significant improvement for Seeleys House, which previously received a rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2019.

Back then, inspectors found people were "not protected from avoidable harm."

The report said in 2019: "In one instance, a person, who was at high risk of choking, had been left unsupervised in the dining area.

"Risk assessments were not written or routinely available to staff to advise them on how they should support people safely. 

"The provider did not robustly ensure people’s human rights were upheld. The service did not always carry out mental capacity assessments or best interest assessment for restrictive practice."

Seeleys House has since bounced back and inspectors noted positive improvements in care for residents.

The report highlights the appropriate, professional interaction between staff and residents, with residents observed to be smiling, laughing and relaxed in the home.

It said: "People received kind and compassionate care. Staff protected and respected people’s privacy and dignity. They understood and responded to their individual needs. Staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse."

Relatives also described the staff as “excellent,” “approachable, caring, efficient, interested in who they are looking after,” and “Professional and friendly”.

Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Buckinghamshire Council, said: "We are thrilled with the positive outcome of this inspection. It is a testament to the dedication, support and compassion our team at Seeleys House has demonstrated over the last four years. This is a well-deserved achievement for the team, who have worked tirelessly to improve the service and provide first-rate care for the residents.

“Buckinghamshire Council is committed to providing high-quality care services for all residents in the county. We will continue to work with our teams to provide the best possible care and support for the people who rely on our services.”