Stars reward excellence at Wealstone

Staff at Chester care home, Wealstone are celebrating after their home was officially ranked as one of the top homes in the country. Wealstone, which is owned by charitable organisation, CLS Care Services, has been awarded the three star excellent rating by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) – the highest rating awarded by the health and social care regulator.

The three star rating follows an unannounced visit to the Upton care home by a CQC inspector. The inspector spent over six hours, examining the home 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 Wealstone 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 Home Manager, Lianne Smith, was asked to complete an Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) to provide the inspector with up-to-date information about the service provided at the home.

On the day of the visit, the inspector toured the home, examining records, and speaking to staff, residents and visitors to build up an accurate picture of how the place is run. The resulting CQC inspection report attributes the high quality of care provided to the strong commitment of everyone working at the home. The report also pays tribute to the home’s varied programme of social activities and events, which is looked after by Wealstone’s dedicated Activities Coordinator, John Harding.

A visiting relative told the inspector: “I think the home is excellent, I have nothing but praise and do not think it could do better.”

Home Manager, Lianne Smith has worked for CLS since 2000. The report highlights her ‘clear sense of direction and commitment to best practice’. She comments: “I’d like to say a big thank you and congratulations to my team – this achievement is a credit to your hard work, support and enthusiasm. Going forward I will continue to review our service and procedures to ensure that the high standard of care provided to our residents is maintained and built upon.”

In addition to annual inspections by the CQC, CLS, the charitable organisation that owns Wealstone and 28 other care homes in the North West, operates an internal quality assurance system. Views are regularly sought from residents and their relatives, as well as health and social care professionals, to ascertain whether they are happy with the standards of care being provided. Moreover, as an accredited Investor in People, CLS is dedicated to the continued professional development of its staff.

Above: Care Assistant, Veronica Bradshaw and resident, Ellie Garner toast to Wealstone's starry success.