'Outstanding' Heath Street Care Home
Heath Street, the specialist residential care home run by Choices Housing which is part of The Wrekin Housing Group, has been given the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ means the CQC think that the service is performing exceptionally well.
Heath Street provides residential care for people with a profound learning disability. Service users are aged from their 40s to their 80s with a physical disability and very complex health needs, so they are totally reliant on their care professionals.
In awarding a rating of ‘Outstanding’, CQC inspectors said that ‘people were cared for by caring and attentive staff who supported people in a dignified and respectful way’.
In their inspection report, the CQC highlighted the ‘passion and dedication of the registered manger and their team,’ adding that they, ‘truly care about the people who live here’. Inspectors praised the proactive, person-centred care, noting that the ‘main goal is to make sure people are happy and involved in their care.’
Sharon Coxon, Registered Manager at Health Street, said, “The people we care for have very complex needs. Achieving an Outstanding rating is recognition of the lengths we go to, to care for our service users, who are totally reliant on us.”
Inspectors cited numerous examples of ‘Outstanding’ care.
Heath Street staff’s continued work with fellow healthcare professionals helped a person, who was unable to eat orally, to be able to overcome this. They noted that this individual had ‘always taken great pleasure from eating, and it was very rewarding to see them enjoying food again.’
The report also highlighted the ongoing activities in the local community. This includes bike rides (with specially adapted bikes to enable people in wheelchairs to take part), going shopping with staff, visiting local garden centres, and enjoying pamper and sensory sessions within the service.
One inspector noted that ‘people made a wish each month of what they wanted to do with staff. They truly care about the people who live here’.
Sharon added, “I am so proud of the team at Heath Street and how hard they have all worked to achieve this rating of Outstanding. We have a really good team and it’s a lovely place to work, and that’s all due to the hard work that we have all put in.”
Nigel Downs, Managing Director of Care and Support, said, “Achieving a rating of outstanding takes a lot of hard work and dedication from a talented team, every single day. Heath Street is only one of a handful of care homes across the region to achieve an Outstanding rating. Outstanding means providing the best possible care for our service users and these are the high standards we set ourselves. I am delighted for my colleagues, and all of the people at Heath Street and the families that we care for.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme based Choices Housing provides a range of care and support services specialising in learning disability and dementia care.
(Photo seen was taken prior to social distancing measures being introduced)
14th April 2020