A REVIEW into a failing care home has been ended after two years of improvement.

Highcliffe Nursing Home was put into special measures in 2015 after a report by the Care Quality Commission showed residents had been left in pain due to neglect by staff.

The home, in Highcliffe, run by Kingsley Healthcare, was reinspected by the commission last year with significant improvements reported, and the county's Safeguarding Adults Board (DSAB) has now concluded a review of the home's practices.

Barrie Crook, independent chairman of the board, said: "We take all reports and allegations of failings in care very seriously.

"As soon as concerns re. neglect were identified we commissioned a whole home review. The findings of the review provide pointers for improvement for Highcliffe Nursing Home and also professionals monitoring the care of residents.

"We have received good cooperation from Kingsley Healthcare and subsequent visits have shown improvement over time.

"We are continuing to work closely with the company, their employees and the residents as lessons must be learnt to make sure that the highest standards of care are provided at all times."

In 2015, CQC inspectors found a frail resident with a suspected broken hip had been left in agony for more than 13 hours before being taken to hospital, while another with a pressure ulcer had requested painkillers but had been refused by staff.

Then, inspectors said the home was understaffed and had insufficient equipment.

But by last summer the commission was detailing significant improvements, giving the home an overall 'requires improvement' rating in its latest inspection and saying staff were "approachable, kind and patient".

Kingsley Healthcare has expressed a desire to expand the site with some 16 extra rooms planned and new facilities, having acquired the freehold in 2015.

The DSAB is made up of senior representatives from statutory agencies including councils, the Dorset NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, Dorset Police, National Probation Service, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service and the voluntary sector.

For more information visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/dorsetsafeguardingadultsboard