Houghton-le-Spring care home gains national watchdog’s seal of approval

Home news

Mar 26, 2014

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors have announced that Care UK’s Grangewood Care Centre, in Shiney Row, is fully compliant with the Government’s stringent safeguards designed to protect residents and promote excellent care.

Following an unannounced visit to the home in Chester Road, inspectors have reported that the home meets all the Government’s five standards of quality and safety which are:

• Treating people with respect and involving them in their care
• Providing care, treatment & support that meets people's needs
• Caring for people safely & protecting them from harm
• Staffing
• Management

CQC carries out unannounced inspections of all care homes, acute hospitals and domiciliary care services in England at least once a year to judge whether or not the essential standards are being met.

During an inspection in July, inspectors spoke to 12 residents and two relatives about care in the home. They reported: "All the people we spoke with made positive comments about the support they received from staff. For example, one person told us, "If you need anything you just have to call the staff. It's the same at night, they're there to help you and they've told me to just ask if I need anything.’"

Residents were also pleased with the choice of food and activities, which includes doll therapy, pet therapy (the home had visits from miniature horses and from dogs, as well as caring for its own two cats), reminiscence discussions and baking sessions. The inspectors reported “This meant that people were involved in meaningful activities which supported their needs.”

Inspectors, who also visited in December, saw that care plans provided clear guidance for staff to follow that enabled them to provide the care needed. They also noted that daily records were detailed and up to date. This meant that records about care, treatment and support were clear, factual and accurate.

Grangewood manager Steve Gibson said: “Our team is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for our residents that not only fulfils their individual care needs, but also provides them with the entertainment and activities they enjoy.

“We get lots of feedback from residents and relatives about how caring the team is and how their commitment means they will always go the extra mile to ensure that residents can have a real choice. I am very happy that we are fully compliant and very proud of the team.”