The Care Quality Commission has found that a Welwyn Garden City care home "requires improvement" following an inspection earlier this year.

Oakview Lodge in Princes Avenue was visited by the CQC in May, and its report was published last Wednesday.

While the care home was rated 'good' for care and responsiveness, improvement is required in regards to safety, leadership and effectiveness, after concerns were raised.

The report found that "staff understood how to raise concerns and knew what to do to safeguard people" but "further improvement was needed to ensure the outcomes of safeguarding incidents were shared, and staff reflections around clinical care required improvement to embed learning across the clinical team".

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"People enjoyed the meals provided; however, improvements were required to ensure the dining experience was positive," the report continued.

"At times some people who required assistance with eating did not receive this in a timely manner. 

"There were sufficient numbers of staff available, however, improvements were needed around the deployment of staff, particularly during busy periods."

Oakview Lodge did receive plenty of praise, including allowing residence to have "control of their lives".

"People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice," the inspector wrote.

"Staff provided care in a sensitive and caring manner, putting people's choices and preferences at the centre.

"People were supported to maintain relationships, form new friendships, and pursue their own hobbies and interests. Staff were passionate about enabling people to retain their independence and autonomy.

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"People and relatives felt able to raise concerns or complaints and were confident they would be listened to."

Changes will now have to be made though, with the report concluding: "We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety.

"We will meet with the provider following this report being published to discuss how they will make changes to ensure they improve their rating to at least good."

This newspaper contacted Country Court Care Homes - the operator of Oakview Lodge - for comment, but did not receive a response.