Northallerton care home gets “Good” from CQC inspectors

A NORTHALLERTON care home has made “vast improvements” and was given a “Good” rating by industry watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Beechwood Care Home, on Romanby Road, was commended by inspectors after an unannounced inspection to assess the overall quality of the service.

The inspectors reviewed the home’s records, observed day-to-day care and activities, and spoke with residents, their relatives, and staff members during their visit.

In all five areas of the inspection report – which covers safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness, and leadership – Beechwood Care Home received a “Good” rating.

The inspectors wrote: “The service had made vast improvements, and this was evident in the positive feedback received from people and their relatives.”

The report also quoted several relatives of those living at the care home, who were questioned about how safe they felt their loved ones were and about staffing.

One said: “My relative is safe – yes without any doubt – I don’t have to worry about them at all.”

Another added: “I am very comfortable in thinking and believing that my relative is safe living at the home.”

On staffing, the inspector report noted: “People were supported by staff who were responsive to their needs, caring and attentive. One relative told us, “The carers I see are usually very friendly and very helpful.”

Various activities and schemes were also highlighted in the report, including the home manager’s “person of the month”, which designates a set day each month to review each resident’s care plan with their relative. One relative said: “They arrange a meeting every month on the same date. This is when we talk about my relative’s care and needs – the GP or a Nurse are involved too.”

On activities, the report noted: “People were supported to follow their interests and take part in activities. One person had been supported by staff to revisit their love for knitting and it was going well. Another was supported to use an ‘Alexa’ to choose their favourite music.”

Euan Bell, home manager at Beechwood Care Home, said: “We are delighted with our latest CQC inspection report, which recognises the hard work of our staff over the last 12 months, and the high-quality, person-centred care we offer here, at Beechwood Care Home.

“We were delighted to read all the lovely comments from our residents’ relatives. Their support is invaluable to us, and we are both privileged and delighted to care for their loved ones.

“Our highest priority is providing safe, caring, comfortable and enjoyable place our residents can call home and we’re pleased the inspection report reflects these values.”