The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found the quality of care provided by Longlast, Stockton On Tees to be Outstanding following an inspection in March.
Longlast can accommodate up to 11 people in one building and provides care for people living with a learning disability. At the time of the inspection nine people were receiving care at the home.
The service was rated Outstanding for caring, responsiveness and well-led, and Good for safety and effectiveness, caring.
A copy of the latest report can be found on our website.
The service was last inspected in November 2015 and found to be meeting fundamental standards, it was rated as Good. Some of the features from this inspection included:
Inspectors found that the management style had led to people, who used the service, feeling that they were integral and essential partners in the operation of the service. People made the key decisions about who was employed, menus, the décor and the range of activities.
The registered manager provided strong leadership. The management team routinely identified how they could enhance the service and ensure the staff remained at the forefront of best practice when working with the people who used the service. Their oversight of the service and encouragement of staff to keep abreast of developments - to be innovative - had led to excellent outcomes
Rosalind Sanderson - Head of Inspection (North East and Coast) for CQC, said
“This is a service that provides exceptional care; it’s encouraging to witness such strong and innovative management. To improve from Good to Outstanding demonstrates that Longlast have striven to enhance the service user experience. This is an exceptionally caring service. Visiting healthcare professionals made very complimentary remarks about the standard of care."
“There was a strong focus on people’s privacy and dignity. Staff had enabled people to find new adapted mobility aids, which had led to them being able to spend the majority of their time enjoying activities in the service or out and about in the community. If people did need help inspectors saw many examples of staff providing support with compassion and kindness."
“The focus on individual personalised care was outstanding. We found that the staff made sure the service worked to meet individual needs. Each person had a keyworker who helped them maintain their care plan, liaise with relatives and friends and supported the person to attend activities of their choice."
“The registered manager told us that no complaints had ever been received. None of the people or relatives with whom we spoke said they had any complaints or concerns. We found that the registered manager and provider clearly understood how to thoroughly investigate any concerns"
“It is clear the care being provided by Longlast is outstanding and I congratulate all concerned on their outstanding rating.”
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This is a service that provides exceptional care; it’s encouraging to witness such strong and innovative management
Rosalind Sanderson - Head of Inspection (North East and Coast) for CQC