Staff at a Mildenhall care home are celebrating after it received an ‘outstanding’ rating from a health watchdog following an inspection.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) praised Mildenhall Lodge, in St John’s Close, in its report, highlighting key features such as an in-house pub and cinema, regular trips for residents and Sinbad – the home’s much-loved dog.
The home was awarded a ‘good’ rating in the safe, effective and caring categories, while graded as outstanding for being responsive and well-led, to achieve the outstanding rating overall after its November inspection.
The CQC said the home had made “significant improvements” since its last inspection in February 2016 – when it was graded as good.
The report said: “The home was exceptionally responsive to people’s individual needs and placed people at the heart of their care.
“Activities were planned by staff who worked to ensure that all people were able to be involved. People were supported to take part in activities of their choosing.”
Among the features highlighted were life story books, which include the life history of residents, important memories, as well as hobbies, to engage with people and as a conversation starter.
The report also noted that engaging with the local community was a key part of life at the home, and its minibus enables residents to take trips to the seaside and other care homes nearby.
Katy Hughes, home manager, was recognised for demonstrating outstanding leadership and was described as “accomplished, knowledgeable and highly motivated”.
The report said the manager was “clearly extremely enthusiastic about the home and care delivered”, and team members were committed to the residents that live at the home.
Mrs Hughes said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home feel at Mildenhall Lodge, and I’m so pleased our continued efforts have been recognised by the CQC’s inspectors.
“Everyone here works incredibly hard to provide residents with compassionate, person-centred care, and to be rated outstanding shows just how committed the team is to making a positive difference to residents’ lives each and every day.
“I’m extremely proud of our team and I would like to say thank you for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”
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