The “exceptionally kind and caring” staff at a nursing home near Bury St Edmunds were hailed as inspectors awarded an ‘outstanding’ overall rating.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an unannounced inspection at Stowlangtoft Hall nursing home in October last year, and inspectors praised the quality of care and support for residents.
The home, run by family group Stow Healthcare, achieved outstanding grades in two of the five categories reviewed for its overall top rating.
Sally Chilvers, registered manager, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the report and rating, I couldn’t quite believe it when the news came through. “For me, it is extra special for the home to be recognised for its outstanding care. This is something that I am passionate about and which is very close to my heart.
“The care provided by every member of the team at Stowlangtoft Hall, no matter what their role, is truly something special.”
The accolade caps a successful 12 months for Stow Healthcare, which achieved outstanding ratings at its homes in Brandon and Thetford as well as having scooped a prestigious national award in the autumn.
Roger Catchpole, Stow Healthcare managing director, said: “I founded Stow Healthcare with my family just over eight years ago. In that time, we have taken on five homes, all of which had troubled pasts, and all of which we have improved beyond measure, with three homes now rated outstanding.
“For Stowlangtoft to achieve the outstanding rating sees it in a very exclusive club of quality homes, which we are very proud to belong to.”
Jemima Burnage, CQC head of inspection for adult social care in the central region, said: “Our inspection team were very impressed by the level of care and support they saw at Stowlangtoft Hall.
“Inspectors found that people received exceptionally personalised care and support. People were encouraged to do things they enjoyed and found meaningful, this included social activities based on people’s interests.
“People were supported by staff who were exceptionally kind and caring. Staff across all departments took care to ensure all their interactions with people were meaningful.
“There was a strong family ethos across the service, staff were creative in their efforts to ensure people were not socially isolated and were able to retain the personal relationships that mattered to them.”
Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds, said: “It is fantastic that Stowlangtoft Hall has received an outstanding rating from the CQC.
“Stowlangtoft Hall offers a wonderful environment for its residents and is an industry leader. They should be incredibly proud and this rating is reflected in the care they give their residents.”
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