Crossways celebrates starry success

Staff and residents at Northwich care home, Crossways, are celebrating after their home was officially ranked as one of the top homes in the country. Crossways in Lostock Gralam, which is owned by charitable organisation, CLS Care Services, has been awarded the three-star, excellent service 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 by a CQC inspector in 2009. The inspector spent nine 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 Crossways 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. Home Manager, Sue Houghton, who has worked for CLS for over 10 years, was also asked to complete a detailed questionnaire 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 relatives to build up an accurate picture of how the place is run.

The resulting CQC inspection report highlights the excellent management and administration of Crossways, and the dedication of all the staff who work there: “The home has an established staff team who are keen for high standards to be maintained. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected.”

People who live at the home told the inspector: “I always receive the support I need”, “I am very happy, well cared for, and my family feel the same” and “Staff are wonderful; if you ask for anything the staff will accommodate you”.

Relatives said: “My family are very grateful for the love, care and support offered by Crossways to Mum”, “Dignity and kindness is shown by all the staff” and “My Mum appears happy and that makes me happy and gives me peace of mind.”

The CQC report also highlights the quality of daily life and social activities within the home. Indeed, Crossways’ dedicated Activities Coordinator, David Irving, arranges a varied programme of activities to entertain residents. Regular activities include coffee mornings, quizzes, bingo, ball games, sing-a-longs, and karaoke. In addition, entertainers regularly visit the home – during the festive season, for instance, a theatre company visited to perform ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, and an Elvis impersonator performed at the residents’ Christmas party. David also arranges a number of excursions throughout the year, including day trips to Knowsley Safari Park.

As well as the annual inspections by the CQC, CLS, the charitable organisation that owns Crossways and 28 other care homes throughout Cheshire, Wigan and Warrington, 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.