A care home in Radlett which received a formal warning after an inspection found it was seriously failing patients, has now been rated as "good" in every aspect of care provision.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an unannounced inspection in April of Houndswood House Care Home in Harper Lane.

The independent health and adult social care watchdog issued its report last month and said the home was now providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.

Houndswood House provides accommodation for up to 50 residents in two units - Magnolia Lodge for people with dementia and Primrose House for those who require nursing care.

Care home manager Deby O’Hare said: "I am so pleased that the CQC inspectors rated Houndswood House as good, right across the board against all of the care criteria.

"This is an endorsement of our care team who always ensure that our residents come first. I am grateful to relatives who commented so favourably to the inspectors."

Previously, the CQC had found that the care home failed to meet national standards. In its report issued in October 2013 the CQC found that the home did not always respect the patients' privacy, dignity and independence and a person's continence care was not managed properly.

Inspectors stated in that report that they were told some individuals "frequently urinated in the corridors" and how an soiled incontinence pad had been left under the cushion of a resident's chair.

Since then, Houndswood House has improved - the latest report said: "People who used the service had developed positive relationships with staff and people's privacy and dignity were respected and maintained.

"People were supported to express their views and be involved in their care planning where possible."

The CQC also found that the staffing levels were now appropriate and met the needs of residents and the staff had received training in safeguarding and administration of medication.

The report said the home had a "robust recruitment process and checks were in place which ensured qualified and experience staff were employed".

A relative of one of the residents told inspectors the "staff are brilliant because they know people well and can understand their wishes and choices, and they respond accordingly."