Having read the article on Westmorland Court’s Care Quality Commission inspection (Gazette, December 31, 'Watchdog says care home must improve') I felt compelled to write and address some of the statements you made.

Firstly, your sub-heading 'Boss disputes report, saying care excellent'. The area manager did not dispute the report. At no time has the care provided been questioned. The report stated that our Standard of Care was rated as 'good' .

The CQC brought new guidelines in in April 2015 and it is these guidelines that we have not met in full in regards to paperwork issues.

The CQC inspected our home in September 2015.

We are currently looking for a new Registered Manager but it takes time to get the right person for the role and so we took this opportunity to restructure the management of the home. As Office Manager I have taken on the additional administrative duties to ensure that reporting procedures are adhered to. Our Clinical Lead nurse has become responsible for people’s care, treatment and support and any medication issues.

Our new Area Manager was also appointed. Johannes Nang-Bayi is a qualified nurse and registered manager in his own right and he is visiting us every week to assist us in getting things put right.

Our hard-working staff must be applauded for all their work at the home, not least when the area suffered from the floods. With some staff having to stay at Westmorland Court because they couldn’t get home and some staff unable to get in for shifts we all pulled together as a team to ensure that the residents were well looked after, as always.

Our residents' care, safety and well being is always our first priority. We have an action plan in place addressing the issues raised by the CQC and with some items already addressed this is a positive time for Westmorland Court and its future.

Jacqueline Harrison

Office Manager,  Westmorland Court

Arnside