Staff at a Bradford residential home for people with learning disabilities are celebrating an outstanding contribution award for the improvements they have made to services.

The award comes on the back of the staff’s hard work and commitment in rapidly turning around the service.

In April 2009, inspectors for England’s health and social care watchdog, the Care Quality Committee (CQC), visited Weaver Court in Idle and found the home was offering a poor service to its 19 residents. A report published in July that year gave Weaver Court a zero star rating and there followed a number of visits from CQC.

An independent inquiry also found failings in care led to two unexpected deaths at the home in 2008.

However, since then staff have worked hard to ensure changes are made for the better and significant improvements, according to the CQC.

Staff have tackled all the issues raised and transformed life for the residents, which earned them the accolade Outstanding Contribution to Impro-ving Services from their peers at a Bradford District Care Trust award ceremony.

Helen Leeming, senior manager for learning disabilities at Bradford District Care Trust, said: “The residents are our priority – this is their home and their lives. We have worked together with advocates, parents, carers and other health professionals to make sure each individual has the right care for them.

“As well as the bigger changes, small touches such as making residents’ bedrooms more personal and creating an art room have made a big difference.

“Residents are going out more and doing things they’ve never done before. We’re seeing improvements all the time.”

The award was marked by a visit by David Ward, Lib-Dem MP for Bradford East. He said: “I’ve been impressed by the commitment of the staff here and the passion they have for their work.”

He also paid a visit to Whiteoak Respite Centre, Fagley, which received the award for ‘Team of the Year’.