The Care Quality Commission has found the quality of care provided by Whitegates in Bromyard, Herefordshire, to be 'outstanding' following an inspection in June.
Whitegates accommodates up to 37 people within a large adapted building, and specialises in care for older people with physical disabilities and mental health needs, who may be living with dementia.
Inspectors found staff were caring and compassionate and people were being provided with safe, responsive, caring, effective and well-led care.
Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Whitegates is rated 'outstanding' for being responsive and effective, and 'good' for being safe, caring and well-led
Maggie Hannelly, CQC’s head of inspection for adult social care in the central region said: “Our inspection team was really impressed by the level of care and support offered to people who use Whitegates.
“People felt safe living at Whitegates with the support of friendly, caring and approachable staff and management who were passionate in their desire to enable people to live full, vibrant lives.
"Staff here took a genuine interest in people's personal history, skills, interests and aspirations. Armed with this knowledge, they recommended new ideas and opportunities to people, and went the extra mile in supporting them to achieve things which enhanced their quality of life.
“The health outcomes for people living at Whitegates had been enhanced, and unnecessary or recurring hospital admissions avoided, through the provider working collaboratively with local healthcare services.
“People and their relatives spoke positively about the quality of food and drink on offer at Whitegates. One person said, "Let me check what's for lunch; this is one of the highlights of the day." The provider placed a strong emphasis on people eating and drinking well, and the role of nutrition and hydration in promoting good health.
“All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated 'outstanding.'”
Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult social care, says: “The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional and I am very pleased that we can celebrate the service’s achievements.
“An outstanding service is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment. I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”
