Ashmore Nursing Home in Barningham Road, Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, tackles concerns raised in CQC report

A nursing home has addressed the ‘majority of concerns’ raised in an inspectors’ report, the matron has said.

The CQC visited Ashmore Nursing Home in Barningham Road, Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, between August and October, last year.

Inspectors rated effectiveness, care and responsiveness as ‘good’ - but overall rating, safety and leadership as ‘requiring improvement’.

The CQC report, published this week, said: “We found two breaches of the legal regulations in relation to staffing and good governance.

“The service did not always provide sufficient staff to meet people’s needs or ensure that they could respond effectively in an event such as an emergency. There was a quality assurance system, but it was not well developed.”

The report said the home, which has 26 residents at the time, was ‘caring and kind’, responsive and already taking steps when concerns were raised.

Debbie Groom, matron, said: “We are now six months on and many things have changed. We have addressed the majority concerns, which were mainly staffing related.

“Recruitment across our sector is a nationwide issue. We are a small independent home, in a quiet village setting, so have a limited employment pool.

“Our staff compliment is much improved, with minimal agency cover. We now have an activities co-ordinator and also a compliance manager who is identifying all CQC requirements.

“Last year could be considered an 'annus horribilus' for us, which also included staff illness. We have started 2025 with a very positive approach.

“The home is a happy place, with much laughter heard throughout, frequently commented on by visitors and family members.”