Northbourne care home rated outstanding by care regulator

Northbourne care home in Gateshead has become the first in the town to be rated outstanding by inspectors from regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Download Northbourne's CQC report

Residents and staff at Anchor’s Northbourne in Durham Road, Low Fell, were celebrating this week after receiving the accolade.

The care home is the ninth run by Anchor Hanover which is classed as Outstanding, making it the provider with most outstanding-rated care homes in the country.

Northbourne was praised by the CQC under their new robust inspection process which now rates care homes as either outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate.

Alongside providing top quality care, the home was commended for its village hub with its own cinema, hair salon and pub, as were other activities for the residents, including a war veteran’s 100th birthday party during which staff had organised for him to be presented with gifts from soldiers from his former regiment.

Home Manager Alison Fryer was praised for her exceptional leadership which had focused on developing a culture where residents’ needs and aspirations were prioritised.

She said everyone at the home was thrilled because they had worked so hard to maintain high standards of care. 

Alison added: “We all know Northbourne is a great place for older people to live but to be given such praise from the regulator is outstanding.

“We secured this rating because of consistent good practice, focusing on person-centred care and putting the wellbeing of the residents at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make.

“The team here are exceptional. They are passionate about providing top quality care for the residents, and their training helps them achieve great things every day. 

“Teamwork is key to our success. The home operates as one happy family and as no agency staff are used, we have a strong team who really know our residents. 

“We welcome such rigorous inspections and clear ratings so older people and their families can see which homes are the best in the country.”

Resident Maureen Scott, 84, who has lived at Northbourne for more than a year, said: “It’s amazing the home has been rated outstanding. I am well looked after and enjoy the good meals. I love it here and I would not want to leave.

“The staff are patient and do a very good job. This is a great achievement and a high rating is well deserved.”

For more information on Anchor’s Northbourne, contact 0800 731 2020.