EXCLUSIVE: A King’s Lynn care home which was placed in special measures following serious failings has been rated “good” by inspectors.
Amberley Hall, in Gaywood, has made significant improvements in its safeguarding of residents and the way it is managed, according to a report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The home, which can accommodate 106 residents, was rated “inadequate” in 2023 and remained in special measures until June this year when it was rated “requires improvement”.
Another inspection in September this year saw the CQC assess the home as “good” when inspectors carried out an unannounced site visit.
Inspectors said: “At the last inspection the provider was in breach of the legal regulations relating to safeguarding and good governance. We found the service had made significant improvements and were no longer in breach of these regulations.”
They found incidents were being investigated and referred to the local authority when necessary, care plans were clearer and staff were following them and staff had received additional training.
New care-planning software had improved management oversight and the premises were well maintained and infection prevention measures were established.
In July 2023, Amberley Hall was placed in special measures after inspectors found serious shortcomings, particularly in its dementia nursing unit.
Problems included unsafe medicines management, insufficient staffing, poor personal hygiene standards and inadequate safeguards against harm.
At an inspection in April and May 2026, CQC inspectors found improvements but continued failures relating to safeguarding and governance. The CQC issued two warning notices on 20 May 2026.
Its rating was raised to “requires improvement” in June 2026 and it was no longer in special measures.
The latest inspection identified an area for improvement in medicines management, despite the overall “good” rating.
The latest report said: “The provider did not always make sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff did not always involve people in planning.”
However, the CQC said “medication competencies were thorough and conducted frequently”. The home told inspectors a pharmacy consultant would be joining the service to help review its medicines arrangement
The care company also highlighted Amberley Hall’s successful partnership with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is helping to improve discharge pathways from the local hospital and support safer, smoother transitions from hospital to home.
Amberley Hall home manager Blessy Masilamani said: “Achieving a ‘Good’ rating is a wonderful recognition of the dedication, professionalism and compassion our team demonstrates every single day.
“This is a very special moment for everyone at Amberley Hall, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”
According to the care company, one resident said: “I have told the staff that I would like to walk as much as possible and they have been very encouraging.”
Image: Staff at Amberley Care Home celebrate the “good” CQC rating.
