The CQC has found the quality of care provided by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council at 1 Lanark Close, a care home in Elm Tree, to be Outstanding following an inspection in March and April 2017.
1 Lanark Close is a 12 bedded care home providing short breaks, a transitional service, and a crisis bed for people who have a learning disability. In addition, some people may have a physical disability or mental health need.
CQC asks five questions when it inspects. Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led? 1 Lanark Close is rated as Outstanding for caring, responsive and well-led, and Good for being safe and effective.
A full report of the inspection has been published on our website.
Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care in the North, said:
“We found the quality of care provided at 1 Lanark Close in Stockton-on-Tees to be outstanding."
“The most striking aspect of this dynamic service was the strong sense of leadership, as well as the commitment and drive from staff to deliver a service which improves the lives of the people using it. It was very obvious to see the culture within the service, which was an absolute commitment to deliver a person-centred and responsive short-break service which relatives described as a lifeline for them."
“Although almost 80 people use this service per year, it was remarkable how much staff were devoted to ensuring each individual’s life was enriched by the service, and they kept up to date with their lives after a stay at 1 Lanark Close. They were able to discuss in great detail each person who came to the service and their likes and support needs."
“All the staff at 1 Lanark Close should be very proud of the care they are providing and I hope other providers look to their example of what outstanding care should look like.”
Some of the findings from the inspection included:
- Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council had completed major refurbishment work and installed high quality baths, showers and furnishings. They had created more space for people to use by converting an office on the upstairs floor into a pool room as well as enhancing the gym, games room and sensory room. The standard of décor within the home was of a very high quality.
- People were encouraged and supported to establish new friendships, to learn new skills and transfer these into their everyday lives. A number of the people enthusiastically told inspectors about the skills book they completed, which encouraged the development of a new skill each time they visited such as using a computer or cooking and to practice the ones they had already learnt. Relatives told inspectors that the availability of staff support for people to develop their skills was invaluable and gave them confidence that over time individuals would become more self-reliant.
- Staff were exceptionally caring and inspired people to do well in achieving their goals. People were cared for by staff who knew them well and understood how to support them and maximise their potential.
- The staff demonstrated a passion to ensure people were supported to live ordinary lives and this extended to the relatives. Inspectors found that if relatives had appointments to attend but were finding difficulty getting to this because of needing support for their relative the staff would suggest their relative came to 1 Lanark Close.
Ends
For further information please contact CQC Regional Engagement Officer Kerri James by email kerri.james@cqc.org.uk or by phone on 07464 92 9966.
Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here.
Please note: the press office is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters. For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.
All the staff at 1 Lanark Close should be very proud of the care they are providing
Debbie Westhead, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care in the North