A BORDERS councillor has hailed the change of culture at a once under-fire care home.

Management at Saltgreens Care Home in Eyemouth, which can house up to 35 elderly residents, were last year issued with required actions needed to address concerns by the Care Inspectorate after it was rated “weak” for staffing and for meeting residents’ needs.

The care home has had a troubled recent past.

Eight elderly residents died after contracting coronavirus during an outbreak in May and June, 2020.

Members of staff were also later disciplined over alleged lockdown breaches.

But when three inspectors from the Care Inspectorate paid a follow up visit on February 21 this year they found a much-improved situation.

The facility was rated “good” in all five areas it was judged on – supporting well-being, leadership, the staff team, the setting and the care and support planned.

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The report found people “could be confident there was a consistent team of staff on duty to meet their overall needs”, that there was a “positive engagement culture” and that people’s needs had been reviewed and individual plans updated.

The positive report did not come as a surprise to East Berwickshire councillor James Anderson, who has been a regular visitor to the home in recent months, witnessing its transformation first hand.

He said: “The ‘good’ grade received by Saltgreens in the most recent inspection is something I was expecting and looking forward to.

“I have been a regular visitor to the home in the last four months and the changes made have been fantastic. One of the main things I have noticed is the staff have a sense of pride in their work and enthusiasm for daily life in Saltgreens.

“The pride the staff now have is something they should have. The smile on residents’ faces really lifts your heart when you walk into the living areas. Staff are cheery, upbeat and the atmosphere when walking into Saltgreens is completely different.

“The ‘good’ grade is a result of everyone working together. From the cleaners to the chief executive, everyone has worked as a team to ensure the lived experience of residents is absolutely the best it can be.

“Consistency of momentum is going to be important going forward. I am confident in the abilities of everyone in the team moving forward and see a bright future ahead.”