A care facility in Staffordshire has had its effectiveness rated as ‘outstanding’ in a recent inspection by health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Following an inspection in January, The Cottage Wing in Burton-on-Trent, joins an elite handful of care facilities – just one per cent throughout England – that have achieved the top rating in the effective category. The wing was awarded an overall inspection rating of ‘good’ from the CQC, aggregated from five categories which, in addition to ‘being effective’, includes being ‘safe’, ‘responsive’, ‘caring’ and ‘well-led’. All four of the remaining categories received ‘good’ ratings.
Part of Barton Health and Community Care Centre, the facility was built in 2007 to replace the outdated Barton Cottage Hospital and GP surgery. It now has 12 places for people with care needs, including intermediate and palliative care as well as a small respite unit for young people with physical disabilities.
In the report, published last week, the service was highlighted for particular praise by CQC inspectors for its work with other professionals to meet people’s needs holistically; the training and support provided for staff, who were encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills; and the improvement in the premises layout, which helped to promote greater engagement in activities and 
provided private space for people and their families.
Furthermore, the report found that “staff sought people’s consent when providing support and people were able to make decisions about their care,” while there were “no people being restricted of their liberty.”
Commenting on the positive report, Cottage Wing manager, Julie Turner, who began her work with Shaw healthcare as a staff nurse at the same facility in 1989, said:
“Nationally, very few homes across England have been rated as ‘outstanding’ in the effective category and so we are especially delighted to have been given such recognition for our work. The achievement wouldn’t be possible were it not for the total dedication and passion of each and every member of our staff. I want to take the opportunity of thanking them and congratulating them on a remarkable achievement.”
