A CARE home criticised by inspectors as being dirty and unsafe has been given a glowing report after cleaning up its act.

Admissions were suspended to Valentine Lodge, in Edith Road, Canvey, last year, after a damning report from the Care Quality Commission, which raised concerns about cleanliness, gas and electrical systems, management of medicine and the welfare of residents.

Now the health watchdog has given the care home its seal of approval afteramajor refurbishment.

Lorraine Reynolds, manager of the care home, said: “We were quite confident we would get there.

“The staff are lovely and I never doubted their dedication and the care residents were getting.

We are absolutely over the moon.”

The care home, which looks after about 20 residents, faced enforcement action early last year after inspectors found bed rails dirty with faecal matter and food, clinical waste bins overflowing with soiled items and staff struggling to clean up because of a lack of hot water.

Now it has turned things around after the owner installed a new heating system, flooring, new beds, designated cleaning area, as well as carrying out interior redecoration.

The care home was found to be meeting 12 of the 13 inspection standards, with inspectors classifying it as fully compliant for the remaining issues concerning recruitment procedures.

Ms Reynolds added: “The main problem we were having was that the decor needed to be bought into the 21st century.

“The refurbishment is just marvellous – it really has made a huge difference and the new sluice has really helped with our infection control.

“I think all our residents are really pleased with the changes and hopefully this has put us in good stead for years to come.”