A once failing Maryport care home has turned itself around.

An unannounced visit by the Care Quality Commission last month showed that Riverside Court Care Home was now good in all aspects of care and administration.

Manager Sonia Norris said this was something the staff had hoped for but having confirmation was wonderful.

She added: “This has been a very difficult time for staff but they have been so good, adapting to all the changes needed and remaining enthusiastic and cheerful.

"We gathered, from the comments of the inpsectors that we were heading in the right direction but it was still a relief to see it in black and white."

But she said there was still a way to go as the care home worked towards being rated outstanding.

In March 2015 the care home was placed under supervision of a managing director to address the CQC’s “immediate concerns” about areas including its supervision of medications.

At that time it was in breach of regulations in 12 different areas.

Mrs Norris was brought in to the home as one of the management improvement measures undertaken by the home’s owner, Tamaris Healthcare (England) Limited, a subsidiary of Four Seasons Healthcare.

This was one of a number of measures taken before a second inspection in August 2015 where the CGC rated it as improving.

The home has increased staffing levels and Mrs Norris, as registered manager, was keeping this under review as people’s dependency levels changed.

The latest report said staff had received suitable training and new members of staff were suitably vetted.

Health and safety requirements were in place and medicines were appropriately managed.

The CQC found that residents were happy with food provided and staff ensured people had proper nutrition and hydration.

The report said: "We observed kind, patient and suitable care being provided. Staff made sure that confidentiality, privacy and dignity were adhered to.

"People were encouraged to be as independent as possible. Staff were trained in end-of-life care and we saw evidence to show that this was being done with sensitivity and good nursing."

The report said assessments and care plans were up to date and dementia care had improved.

Riverside Court Care Home, on Salmoor Way, is a residential and nursing home for up to 60 residents. There were 57 people living there at the time of the inspection.