The Willows Dementia Hub rated ‘Good’ in first CQC inspection

The Willows Dementia Hub in Rochdale has been rated ‘Good’ across the board in its first inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), since opening on 1 November 2018.

The unannounced visit took place at the Broad Lane hub in January 2020.

During the inspection, staff observations were made, residents and visiting relatives and friends were spoken to as well as the chief officer, team leader, human resources officer and additional staff members.

The report inspected areas of health and safety and cleanliness, the administering of medicines, ability to ensure residents are safe and protected from avoidable harm and that their care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life.

The Willows was praised for a clean and safe environment where residents felt safe, with risks being identified and well-managed. Staff understand safeguarding procedures.

Well-trained staff were commended for being attentive to health needs and diligence in administering medicine, with the inspectors noting they were kind, caring and communicated easily with residents and their families.

Residents told inspectors they enjoyed the food, were offered choices and staff were mindful of dietary needs.

Inspectors also noted that complaints were “properly investigated” and that the Willows had good care records and progress notes.

The report also found the service provided a pleasant atmosphere, a good range of activity and people felt happy with the quality of support from the hub.

 

 

Gail Whitehead, Chief Officer of GP Care Services, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our first CQC report, after only fourteen months in operation.”

She continued: “To achieve a rating of Good across all five elements is not down to luck - it’s due to the exceptional hard work of Julie Saville, our Registered Manager, and her team of truly dedicated team leaders, carers, housekeepers and kitchen staff and their love and compassion for our residents.”

Julie Saville, The Willows’ Registered Manager added: “We are delighted with the outcome of our first inspection. The report shows the huge dedication and hard work by the whole team at The Willows over the last 15 months.

“I am very proud of the valuable, unique and innovative work we do at The Willows delivering dementia care how it should be delivered.”

The Willows Dementia Hub was built to provide pioneering integrated care and support for those with living with Dementia in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR).