Care Quality Commission has found the care being provided at Oakwell, a care home for people with mental health needs, to be Outstanding following an inspection in April this year. Oakwell provides accommodation, personal and nursing care for up to 13 people with mental health needs in Bensham, Gateshead. At the time of the inspection there were eight people using the service.
Oakwell, run by Mental Health Concern, was rated as Outstanding overall and for providing effective, responsive and well-led services, and Good for being safe and caring.
Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care said:
“It is fantastic to find a service that fully supports both the people receiving care and the staff delivering it. The registered manager had formed very close working relationships with local healthcare professionals. Everyone we spoke to describe the service as being of significant benefit to people’s lives.
“We found a real focus on helping people recover and safely live their lives in the most independent way possible. Staff were very knowledgeable and took the time to get to know people. The care records, and people’s feedback, reflected the length the service went to in ensuring they developed and delivered the best possible care.
“The management team were clearly supportive and enabled staff to be innovative in managing people’s care needs and developing best practice. They led the way and weren’t afraid to constructively critique their performance. An Outstanding service.”
Some of the findings from the inspection included:
- The provider inspired life-long learning, supporting staff to obtain higher education qualifications, as well as running apprenticeship schemes and enabling training to become a registered nurse.
- The service recognised the risks of social isolation, and staff worked to ensure people kept their personal relationships, and remained active in their social groups.
- People were supported to enter into employment and engage locally with healthcare professionals and services.
- The management team promoted an open and honest culture throughout the service at all levels.
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The management team were clearly supportive and enabled staff to be innovative in managing people’s care needs and developing best practice.
Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care