HEALTHCARE inspectors have reserved high praise a care home for treating patients with dignity and respect.

Whitley Wood Lane Respite Care has once again been rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection last month.

The service retained a strong impression with the watchdog after receiving the same rating in November 2015.

Councillor Rachel Eden, lead member for Adult Social Care, said: “Like the rest of the country, Reading faces huge challenges to ensure we can all live fulfilling lives regardless of our needs.

"Despite this the council is committed to providing the high quality care service people deserve.

“I am delighted to hear the Whitley Wood Lane Respite Care team has once again received a well-earned ‘Good’ rating from the CQC.

"I will be writing to them to offer my congratulations. The rating is testament to the hard work of all the staff, who provide caring and dignified support.”

A routine visit to the care home, currently used by 20 people on a regular basis, praised the 'open and inclusive atmosphere at the service' and patients were encouraged to be as independent as possible.

Concerns were raised about the risk of legionella, but the registered manager arranged for the outstanding work to be carried out by the end of November.

The inspection report said: "The staff team were caring and respectful and provided support in the way people preferred. People's rights to confidentiality, dignity and privacy were respected. People were enabled and encouraged to develop and maintain their independence wherever possible.

"Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality of care being delivered and the running of the service.

"People received care and support that was personalised to meet their individual needs. People were able to continue their usual daily activities during their stay at the service.

"The service also provided access to the local community to enhance social activities. This meant people were able to access activities that took into account their individual interests and links with different communities.

"Staff had a good understanding of how to keep people safe and protect them from abuse."