West Hall care home rated outstanding by care regulator

West Hall care home has been classed as outstanding by regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Staff at West Hall were celebrating this week after receiving the rare accolade - only one percent of adult care services have achieved an outstanding rating.

West Hall was praised by the CQC under their new robust inspection process. Care homes and retirement properties are now classed as either outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate.

The CQC inspectors were particularly impressed with the Person Centred Care delivered at West Hall, which they classed as outstanding.

West Hall Manager, Nigel Allen, said everyone at the care home was thrilled because they had worked so hard to maintain high standards of care. He said: “We all know West Hall is a great place for older people to live but to be given such praise from the regulator is outstanding. We are proud of the care we provide, of the meals which are made from fresh seasonal ingredients and of the wide variety of meaningful activities enjoyed by our residents. We’re so pleased to be classed as an outstanding care home that we’ve held a party to celebrate this success.”

The CQC inspection report, which can be found on the regulator’s website, highlighted that the service was exceptionally caring at West Hall and that people are very complimentary about the care they receive. Residents are made to feel as though they mattered and staff took the time to get to know people so they could provide person centred care. People can make their own decisions and are encouraged to retain their independence and family and friends were welcomed into the home and staff knew them well.

Deborah Ivanova, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said: “It is clear that West Hall is providing an exceptional service to the people in its care. The support it is providing to people living there and their families is outstanding and the team should be extremely proud of the work they do.

“We are well aware of the challenges of living and working in a home with people who have dementia, but West Hall demonstrates that care can always be provided in a way that values and respects each person. We were struck by the way staff see each person as a unique individual and respond accordingly and this is why we have given this service the highest rating we can give.”

Resident Jon Ryan, 82, who has lived at West Hall for two years, said: “It was no surprise to me that West Hall was classed as outstanding. I love living here and I am impressed daily by the team and the beautiful environment.  The food is excellent and I so enjoy all of the wonderful activities that are put on for us, particularly the way we are all involved in the running of our home.”

West Hall Manager, Nigel Allen, goes on to say: “Anchor has informed the Government’s dementia strategy so we also know how to care for people living with the condition so they lead as fulfilling a life as possible.  We welcome such rigorous inspections and clear ratings so older people and their families can see which homes or retirement properties are the best in the country."