NURSING staff have spoken of their pride after a care home won an award for outstanding service, only months after being assessed as failing in three out of five key areas.

Eastbourne Care Home, in Cobden Street, announced a pledge to improve in October, after an inspection found that it had fallen short of the required standards in areas including: the safe and appropriate care of residents, staff training and support and record keeping.

Just four months on, staff at the home have won a Rock award in recognition of the levels of care they are providing across the board.

The award, which stands for 'Recognition Of Care and Kindness', is usually given to individual members of staff in Four Seasons Health Care establishments who have been nominated by members of the public.

In Eastbourne’s case, however, it was awarded to the entire staff.

Viki Gates, manager of the Eastbourne home, said they were ‘elated’ to have won the award.

She added: “We found out we were receiving the award at the start of February.

“One of our residents sadly passed away, but we received a letter of thanks from her and her family for everything we had done for her, and a nomination for this award.”

The award represents the latest in a dramatic change in fortunes for the home since the Care Quality Commission findings in October.

Another inspection, published earlier this month to check that improvements had been made, found that Eastbourne was providing ‘good’ service in all five key areas.

Asked about her reaction to winning the award, Ms Gates, who has been manager since October, said: “Everyone is over the moon.

“We’ve been through a lot since October; there was a lot of negativity around.

“Seeing the staff going through the transition from then to now, winning this award, they’re rightfully very proud, and I’m proud of them, as well.”