A BARNSLEY care home which was told it ‘requires improvement’ by inspectors less than a year ago had undergone an incredible turnaround and is now rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

At its March 2025 inspection, Saxondale Nursing Home, on Clarke Street, the healthcare watchdog issued a warning to providers Bestcare UK for failing to meet the regulations related to good governance.

Inspectors returned to the home - which provides support to older people living with dementia, nursing needs, mental health conditions and physical disabilities - earlier this month.

A total of 22 people were using the service at the time of inspection, and the CQC has now rated the care home as ‘good’ - the second-highest rating it can give.

A report states: “This assessment was completed to follow up on action we told the previous provider to take at the last assessment in March 2025.

“At that inspection, the provider was found to be in breach of three legal regulations in relation to safeguarding, person-centred care and good governance.

“Warning notices were issued.

“At this inspection, we found sufficient improvement had been made to address the actions needed.

“The requirements of the warning notices were met, and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

“The provider had worked closely with the local authority and had addressed all concerns found at our last inspection.

“Governance systems had been effectively implemented.

“The management team had taken steps to improve systems.”

The report added that there was a clear improvement made between the two inspections.

It added: “The provider could evidence lessons were learnt when things went wrong.

“An effective system was in place to analyse accidents and incidents and trends and patterns were identified, and where necessary improvements were made.

“Some refurbishments had taken place, and the provider had purchased various new furniture items and equipment, and decoration had been enhanced to make the environment more dementia friendly.

“Staff and leaders worked well together to ensure consistency of care.

“There was clear leadership, and it was evident who the leaders were within the organisation.

“The senior guided staff and staff looked to the senior and other leaders for support.

“At the time of this assessment, a new manager had been in post for one week.

“The improvements evidenced at this assessment needed to be sustained and embedded into practice so the provider and the service can continue their journey of improvement.”