A Dorchester care home has retained its 'Good' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Care South’s Maiden Castle House received a Good rating in all areas, which are whether the home is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Simon Bird, Care South Chief Executive, said: "It’s great news that Maiden Castle House has retained its Good status following the CQC inspection. It’s a fantastic home, with a committed team who work hard to ensure our residents are well cared for and enjoy their time at the home. It’s great that the report highlights how well trained and responsive our team are and that the home is such a welcoming place."

The CQC is a body that assesses and reviews the quality of care institutions in England.

A Care South spokesman said: "People, relatives and the team spoke highly of the registered manager and senior team and commented on the positive culture at the home, where staff felt listened to and supported. Within the report, a relative reflected on how well trained they thought the staff were and emphasised that they were also very dedicated to ensuring people got the care and support they needed.

"Throughout the three-day inspection, staff were observed to be extremely knowledgeable about each resident, including their care needs, interests and histories. It was felt there was a varied and full activities programme, and that the food offering was excellent. Relatives of those living in the home also commented on how welcome they felt every time they visited."

With regards safety, the CQC report said that the home performed well and that a good system is in place, although it was noted that incident forms were not always completed consistently and that there had not been a review of process after a medicines error.

The CQC noted that the home had made improvements to make the environment better suited to people with dementia, and that the home accordingly kept its Good score on efficiency.

The home also kept it Good scores on the standard of care in its service as well as its responsiveness.

It also maintained its Good score regarding how well-led the home is, even though the report noted insufficient record keeping on incidents and that forms were sometimes not completed.