Northern Healthcare has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection carried out between 3 June 2024 and 12 June 2024. The rating reflects the company’s “open, honest and transparent culture,” as recognised by the CQC. The report commended Northern Healthcare for its unwavering dedication to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care for individuals with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and autism.
The inspection found that the organisation’s PROUD values—Positive, Respectful, Open and Honest, Understanding, Dedicated—are deeply embedded in both daily support and governance, with staff fully aware of how to incorporate these principles into their work.
Northern Healthcare provides supported living services nationwide for individuals with a range of needs, offering 24/7 care and support to help them build independence within a safe and nurturing environment.
In a report published on 13 September 2024, the CQC detailed how Northern Healthcare is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering person-centred care and maintaining high standards across the board.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Safe Care Practices: The CQC praised Northern Healthcare for its robust safety protocols, noting: “The provider took the appropriate steps to keep people as safe from harm as possible.” The report highlighted the effective recruitment and training processes, which ensure that staff are well-prepared to deliver care. Regular risk assessments are carried out to make sure that individuals are supported according to their specific needs.
Effective Services: Inspectors recognised Northern Healthcare’s success in delivering support that improves the quality of life for individuals. The CQC observed: “Staff were confident in explaining what people’s support needs were and explained ways they best supported people to ensure they remained safe.” The use of regularly updated electronic care plans ensures that care is tailored to each individual’s needs, allowing for flexibility as those needs evolve.
Compassionate and Caring Team: The CQC report praised the caring and compassionate approach of the Northern Healthcare team. “Staff and people supported had developed good relationships,” the report noted, highlighting the genuine concern staff demonstrate for the individuals they support, using a person-centred approach that respects each person’s preferences and dignity.
Responsive Care: Northern Healthcare was also recognised for its ability to respond swiftly to the changing needs of individuals ensuring that individuals receive the right support at the right time, promoting independence and positive outcomes. The CQC stated: “People were listened to, and the provider acted on people’s views.”
Strong Leadership: Leadership at Northern Healthcare was commended for fostering a positive work environment and driving continuous improvement. The report described the leadership team as “well-structured, with a good skill mix among senior leaders,” and noted that staff felt supported and listened to, with effective governance systems in place to maintain high standards of care.
Nicola Forshaw, CEO of Northern Healthcare, expressed her gratitude for the recognition:
“We are incredibly proud to receive a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. This accomplishment reflects our team’s dedication to providing exceptional care and support to our community. This achievement is a result of the hard work and dedication displayed by each and every team member. Together, we have created an environment that upholds the highest standards of care while also maintaining the warmth, respect, and professionalism that define our approach.
“The trust and confidence that each individual we support places in our services motivates us to reach new heights, ensuring the best possible care for our community. We are deeply grateful for the support of our colleagues in Adult Health and Social Care, whose collaboration helps make this possible.
“The ‘Good’ rating acknowledges not only our adherence to regulatory standards but also the positive impact we have on the lives of those we support. We are proud of this recognition and remain committed to continuous improvement and growth.”
Northern Healthcare remains dedicated to ongoing improvements, with plans already in place to further enhance the services provided. The CQC’s feedback will serve as a guide for future initiatives. Dawn Cropper, Operations Director of Northern Healthcare, added:
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC. This achievement is a reflection of the passion and commitment our team members bring to their work every day. Our goal has always been to provide outstanding care to the people we support, and this rating shows that we are on the right path.
