A Dagenham-based care charity labelled 'inadequate' has seen its rating improved after an inspection by the healthcare watchdog.

A new report published on November 13 by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has revealed that the Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham (DABD) is now rated 'good'. 

It comes after a previous inspection conducted in September 2023 found the service to be 'inadequate' - CQC's worst possible grading.

After this visit, Jane Ray, CQC deputy director of operations in London said there was "an unsafe culture" and some staff "shouted at people, handled them roughly during personal care, or left them in bed for a long time".

According to the latest inspection report, the CQC was alerted to potential improvement by Barking and Dagenham Council. 

The council flagged the improvements to the CQCThe council flagged the improvements to the CQC (Image: Google Maps) Inspectors wrote: "At the time of this inspection, only two people were using the service and only one of those received support with the regulated activity of personal care.

"This was a comprehensive inspection of the service and we found improvements had been made since the previous inspection and we have now rated them as good.

"We found them to be providing care and support that was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led."

A 'good' rating was given for all five inspection areas.

Inspectors were told by relatives of service users that "the service they (DABD) provide is very good" and that staff treat patients with kindness and compassion. 

These qualities are said to be nurtured from the recruitment stage at the charity, with pre-employment assessment, inductions and continuous monitoring of staff. 

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The DABD manager told the CQC how they work with service users "to get to know them" and use professional judgement to assess risk levels to patients. 

Andy Rollock, chair of the board at DABD, said: “We are delighted with the positive outcome of the recent CQC inspection, which reflects the dedication, resilience, and hard work of our entire staff.

"Moving from an ‘inadequate’ to a ‘good’ rating demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring the wellbeing of those we support.”

The service was put into special measures following the 'inadequate' grading.

Although the latest report does not specify these have been lifted, CQC guidance states that providers will come out of special measures if they are no longer rated 'inadequate' in any areas on re-inspection.