Our staff team at Newlands care home have been praised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for their supportive and caring nature, after making significant improvements over the past two years.
Newlands, in Colchester, is a residential care home accommodating up to eight adults who have a learning disability, are autistic, or have mental health needs.
The service received a ‘good’ rating for the care it gave to the individuals it supports, who told the CQC “they treat me very well” and that the manager “has our backs, nothing is too much trouble”. The home was previously rated as ‘requires improvement’ during a 2019 inspection.
One staff member told the CQC: “The service flows, everything is in place now, there is more routine and everyone is settled. Really good leadership.”
Our staff encouraged the people supported at Newlands and their relatives to express their views about care plans and their living environment, including each individual supported by Newlands getting involved with decisions about the décor and personalising their own rooms.
The service was commended for how it promoted people’s privacy, dignity and independence.
The report states: “People were supported by staff to make decisions about their day to day care. More complex decisions about their care and treatment were being made in their best interests and the right people had been involved.
“People had detailed routines setting out the support they needed to ensure they had a good day. These included making their own decisions and the support they needed from staff to be as independent as possible.
“People had been involved in making decisions about their home at regular resident meetings. These meetings had also been used to include learning sessions. For example, a recent session had been held about budgeting to help people better understand and manage their personal finances.”
The CQC also noted that significant improvements had been made in all inspection areas thanks to an action plan enacted by the registered manager and staff.
Tina Torres, manager at Newlands, said: “We are delighted to have received a ‘good’ rating from the CQC during this latest inspection.
“We are incredibly proud of our ‘champion’ programme, and I was glad to see the CQC make special mention of this in the report. Our champions are individuals who on a day-to-day basis promote good practice, such as infection prevention.
“I was particularly pleased with how happy the staff, residents and their families were with the care we give. Person-centred care, respect and dignity are at the heart of everything we do at Newlands.”
Melinda Glover, Regional Director, said: “The team has worked tirelessly to provide a truly person-centred approach to the people we support which has enhanced individual opportunities, community experiences and personal growth.
“They have continued to provide an outstanding service during an unprecedented time of COVID ensuring that those we support remain safe and well.”
John Godden, CEO, said: “This ‘good’ rating from the CQC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff at Newlands, who ensure the individuals they support receive excellent, consistent and personalised care.
“This external validation that everyone safe and happy is extremely pleasing and we look forward to a positive future for all.”
