A BICESTER care home has been praised for its leadership and commitment to preventing Covid infections.

Inspectors from regulatory body, the Care Quality Commission, visited Launton Grange, on Skimmingdish Lane, for the first time since the home opened in November.

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The inspectors found the home to be well-led, safe and committed to ensuring residents’ wellbeing throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

During the unannounced visit, day to day life at the home was observed and key paperwork, policies and care plans were examined.

Inspectors also spoke to members of staff, residents and their relatives, the local authorities and a range of healthcare professionals to gather a full picture prior to compiling the report.

They concluded that the facility, which provides care for up to 66 residents, provided high-quality, person-centred care, supported learning and innovation, and promoted an open, fair culture.

The report said: "Leadership at the service had a clear vision of how they wanted the service to be and put people at the centre of what they did."

Regional director, Maria Taylor, said: "It is brilliant news to see such positive feedback from the CQC. Since opening our doors to residents in November, the Launton Grange team have been nothing short of inspirational – going above and beyond to provide person-centred care to residents and creating a welcoming, positive care environment so this news really will really give a boost to everyone at the home."

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The CQC inspectors noted the commitment to infection control, PPE, testing and training, with the care home scoring top marks across all infection prevention and control areas.

The team and residents received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination in early January, with dates in place for their second dose to be administered this month.

With the government go-ahead, residents are now safely welcoming their loved ones to their new home for visits.

Residents were keen to give their opinion on the home with one resident saying: "Launton Grange is brilliant. Staff are good and I feel safe with them, they are here any minute I call them."

Family members also praised the care team. One relative said: ‘I met the regional director, she is friendly and competent. I also spoke to the deputy manager and he was also very reassuring."

Launton Grange is run by care home operator Ideal Carehomes which offers residential and dementia care.

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