Inspirational Leadership Leads to CQC Awarding Outstanding Rating

The Care Quality Commission has rated the quality of care provided by Woodbury Court in Laindon, Essex, as Outstanding.

Woodbury Court provides care and accommodation for up to 94 people who may need assistance with personal care and may have care needs associated with living with dementia.

Inspectors found staff were caring and compassionate and people were being provided with safe, responsive, caring, effective and well-led care. Woodbury Court was rated Outstanding overall, Outstanding for being caring, responsive and well-led and Good for being effective and safe.

Inspirationational leadership was cited as one of the reasons for the outstanding rating. With clear administrative and management systems in place, which staff understand and comply with.

Inspectors were particularly impressed with the 'My Day' section of people's care records. Staff had taken the time the document patient's life history and experiences, which provided staff with essential information on past experiences of the people they cared for. Inspectors reflected that “Care staff had taken the time to listen to people and their relatives and form a detailed account of people's life experiences, preferences and desires to help ensure people received person-centred care."

Jemima Burnage, CQC’s Head of Inspection for Adult Social Care in the central region said “Our inspection team were really impressed by the level of care and support offered at Woodbury Court.

“The registered manager was an inspirational leader and provided clear leadership and management for the staff team. People were looked after by staff who all shared the provider's commitment to running a well-led service. The staff shared the provider's vision and values to ensure people benefitted from the best possible care.

“It was evident the staff went the extra mile in caring for people and strived to make sure people were happy and continued to have a meaningful life.

“One relative advised us that they had come back to the home due to the good care another relative had received. They added, "Dad wanted to come here, because they'd looked after my mum until her death, and he was impressed with all he knew about the place. They've not disappointed us with dad, and we always feel very welcomed when we visit."

“All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated Outstanding.”

Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said “The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional and I am very pleased that we can celebrate the service’s achievements.

“An outstanding service is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment. I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”