Darlington home wins praise from relatives and approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Jan 07, 2014

Care UK’s Ventress Hall care home in Darlington has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog, with inspectors, residents and relatives praising the home’s caring team members.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, which follows an unannounced inspection of the home in Trinity Road, quotes a resident’s relative who told them: “The staff are what makes this home, they are really pleasant and supportive”, while others described the team as kind and friendly and “always doing their best” for residents.

The inspectors examine the home and its records and interview team members, residents and relatives to ensure that it meets the Government’s five standards of quality and safety which are:

• Consent to care and treatment
• Care and welfare of people who use services
• Meeting nutritional needs
• Staffing
• Assessing and monitoring the quality of service provision

The inspectors reported that “there was a choice in what people wanted to do and the privacy and dignity of residents was respected as we observed care interventions being carried out. Staff spoke to people in a pleasant and respectful manner.” They also noted that: “We found staff were good-natured and reassuring, especially when supporting people who were anxious or requiring reassurance.”

Home manager Judy Wray said: “Dignity and choice go hand in hand and the team work hard to ensure each and every resident is treated with the care they would want their loved ones to receive.

“I was also pleased to see the report highlighted our commitment to keeping residents and relatives involved and informed about their care and treatment and we have been working with the Blacketts Medical Centre to ensure that residents have access to first class medical care from a known and friendly face on a daily basis.”

The inspectors observed as lunch was served and eaten and reported that it was served at a relaxed pace in a pleasant atmosphere, with team members chatting to people to ensure they had what they needed and discreetly assisting those people who needed help to eat.

Judy said: “As carers, we welcome these visits because nothing is more important than ensuring older people receive the excellent care they deserve. I am delighted the inspectors got a chance to see the dedication I see every day in my team and I know they will continue working hard to ensure every resident at Ventress Hall leads a happy and fulfilled life full of dignity and choice.”