STAFF at two local care homes owned by the charitable organisation, CLS Care Services, are celebrating after their homes were officially ranked as among the very best in the UK.
Astbury Lodge and Whetstone Hey in Great Sutton were awarded the three star excellent rating by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) – the highest rating given by the health and social care regulator.
Robert Black, Managing Director of CLS Care Services, comments: “Congratulations to all the staff at Astbury Lodge and Whetstone Hey – these excellent achievements are a credit to their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.”
The three star ratings follow unannounced visits to both care homes by CQC inspectors earlier this year. The inspectors spent over seven hours, examining the homes with a fine toothcomb, from the décor and the quality of the food, to checking residents’ care plans, medication records and staff recruitment procedures – no aspect of life at Astbury Lodge and Whetstone Hey was left untouched.
In addition, survey forms were sent to a random sample of staff members to find out their views prior to the visit, and the manager of each home was asked to complete an Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) to provide their inspectors with up-to-date information about the service provided at their homes.
On the day of the visits, the inspectors toured the homes, examining records, and speaking to staff, residents and visitors to build up an accurate picture of how the places are run. The resulting CQC inspection reports attribute the high quality of care provided at Astbury Lodge and Whetstone Hey to the strong commitment of staff. Highlighting the experience and dedication of both Home Managers, the reports give particular praise to the smooth management and administration of the CLS care homes.
Wendy Hope, Home Manager of Whetstone Hey, and Steve Maddock, Home Manager of Astbury Lodge, each have over 20 years’ experience of working in the care sector.
