A care home has turned itself around following a previously damning report by inspectors.

Westbank Care Home in Sevenoaks Road, Borough Green, has been rated "good" in all areas, following a visit from the healthcare watchdog.

The care home caters for a range of needs from residential through to respite care – including nursing and dementia care.

It can accommodate up to 40 people and allows residents to stay at the home should their needs and requirements increase.

A report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in March 2016 had previously branded the home "inadequate".

Its ratings for being caring was scored as "requires improvement" and those for being safe, effective, responsive and well-led were said to be "inadequate".

But in January 2020 the home was inspected again and was re-graded as "good".

Westbank is under new management and now part of Aurem Care company.

The independent regulator most recently visited in November and at the time of the inspection there were 37 people using the service.

Residents and relatives commented on how they felt "safe" and "happy", and described staff as "kind, understanding, caring and patient".

One resident said: “Oh yes, I’m safe. I’m just comfortable. Everybody is very nice".

Another family member added: “I would have no hesitation in recommending the excellent care offered at Westbank care home to anyone.”

'We are all committed to continuing to improve our service for our residents...'

Westbank has several long-serving members of staff and a well-established team – many from the Sevenoaks area.

Inspectors noted that they enabled residents to have "maximum choice and control of their lives" and supported them "in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests".

It went on to say: “People were involved in decisions about their care, and they received care which promoted their dignity and encouraged independence.”

Home manager, Sean Healy, joined Westbank in November and was credited by staff in the report as being "approachable and supportive with an open-door policy".

“We are all committed to continuing to improve our service for our residents," he said.

"Everyone has an important role to play in keeping them healthy and happy and we will continue to work together, as a team.”

Sean works closely with the home’s management team, which is made up of clinical lead Joyce Chick and administrator Jane Debenham.

Joyce said: “I am incredibly proud of the Westbank team. Our ‘good’ rating is recognition of all their hard work and dedication.

“We work closely with our residents, their families, and the wider community to create positive experiences and memories, enabling our residents to live well in our home.

"I’m really proud of all the team and we will continue to strive for excellence.”