RESIDENTS, staff and the new manager of a Greater Leys care home that was criticised over standards have said it has been turned around.

Earlier this year, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the Southern Cross-run Brookfield Care Home had left some pensioners in pain without their medication, and others struggling to get out of bed.

The Oxford Mail then uncovered a string of complaints against the home dating back to 2005, and Oxfordshire County Council stopped sending pensioners there until it improved.

However, we can reveal a forthcoming CQC inspection is set to note major improvements, after a new manager was brought in four months ago.

The home – one of six Southern Cross premises in the county – is set to be handed over to Methodist Homes to run at the end of September, after the collapse of the UK’s largest care home provider.

Brookfield resident Barbara Wakefield, 81, who has lived in the home since 2007, said: “It seems better, more stable and stronger.

“Things have really stepped up, there is a better atmosphere, and staff are more friendly.”

Since the arrival of new manager Geoff Honour four months ago, five new nurses and seven care staff have been recruited.

Residents sit in on interviews for all new staff, and have helped redecorate parts of the home.

Oxfordshire County Council has started sending back residents and 52 of the 66 places are filled.

Mr Honour said: “We have managed to turn the place around and have now built up a good relationship with Oxfordshire County Council and we are moving the home forwards.

“Service users are now interviewing staff, and we have improved the day-to-day running of the home, but as always, it is an ongoing project. The care packages, risk assessments and general running of the home needed to be better organised.

“The majority of staff here worked very hard, but needed better guidance.”

Lin Jacobs, who has worked at Brookfield since it opened 13 years ago, added: “I have seen low morale and high morale.

“Currently, it is a lot better, and we are hoping that will continue when the new company comes in.

The CQC report is set to be published next month. Southern Cross has yet to confirm which operators are taking over its five other Oxfordshire homes.