Care home receives highest rating after surprise inspection

WESTGATE Healthcare’s Byron House Care Home in Aylesbury has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating following its recent unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

It achieved the highest rating in three out of the five categories assessed by the regulator – Caring, Responsive and Well-Led.

Inspectors found there was a ‘strong commitment to providing personalised care’ which was delivered by ‘a dedicated staff team who were committed to the vision and values of the service’.

The team provide personal, residential and nursing services for up to 28 people and ‘appreciate people for who they are and recognise the value of their life experience’.

Kyla Darling, home manager and qualified registered nurse, who has been part of the Westgate Healthcare family since 2021, has brought a wealth of experience to the home, having more than 10 years’ experience working in care.

She said: “Our team are such amazing people and deliver the best care to our residents.

“I want to shout that from the rooftops.

“It is a lovely recognition for us in such a difficult time in social care and gives the team the validation they so deserve, working the way they do day to day but especially during the pandemic.

“They all go the extra mile to ensure our residents are safe and happy. We are very proud to be the only home in Aylesbury with an Outstanding rating.”

Care home resident Lore Lucas celebrated her 103rd birthday with the help of her family and friends, royalty and even a local dignitary. To mark the achievement she was treated to a party at Signature at Elton House in Bushey, where she enjoyed a range of food, drink and a birthday cake freshly prepared by the catering team at the care home. Lore also received numerous cards from loved ones, as well as flowers and plants as new additions to her windowsill garden.

Lore and her fellow residents were surprised with a visit from the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor John Graham, who stopped by for a drink and a chat. The occasion also represented Lore’s first birthday since Covid-related Government guidance on restricted visitation ended.

The CQC report acknowledges the home’s recruitment process which is ‘values based’ and favours people who display empathy, kindness and strong teamwork skills over experience.

Furthermore, training for team members was described as “high quality” and containing an emphasis on person centred care.

The report states: “There was a warm, welcoming atmosphere promoted by caring, compassionate staff. All staff despite their roles, were trained to care. For example, domestic and maintenance staff knew people well and were trained to support people with care needs.”

Further credit was given to team members for their ability to “excel” when dealing with a person in distress by using distraction techniques and the inspectors felt that the team went that “extra mile” to provide residents with social activities they could complete safely.

Credit was given to Byron House for its research which has helped improve its services, with its dining service being used as an example of something which has improved based on residents’ comments.

Team members, families, residents and stakeholders will be celebrating with a black tie event at Waddesdon Hall in March.