Two care services in Chesterfield given healthy thumbs-up by inspectors

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out inspections at the Heather Vale home in Hasland and of the Ability Ash Lodge service that provides care for children and young adults with learning difficulties and complex needs.

Both were given an overall rating of Good, which is only one level below Outstanding, and they were also ranked Good in each of the five categories of the inspections, which relate to whether the services are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Heather Vale, a purpose-built, not-for-profit home in a quiet residential area, is run by Anchor Trust and provides 24-hour care for up to 39 older people with a range of medical and age-related conditions, such as dementia, diabetes and mobility issues.

CQC inspectors said the residents “received care and support from kind, caring and compassionate staff, who were friendly and treated them with respect”. They also felt safe, received good-quality food and were able “to maintain their independence and links to the community, which had a positive impact on their wellbeing and health”. The home was well-led by a manager who was “open and inclusive” and listened to the views of residents and relatives.

Ability Ash Lodge, run by the Chesterfield and District Society for People with a Learning Disability, provides care to young people in their own homes and also at its own premises on Old Road.

CQC inspectors said patients felt safe and secure and were “protected from potential harm” by “kind and compassionate” staff who “treated them with dignity and respect, understood their individual needs and supported their independence”.

Relatives had full confidence in a well-organised management team “who understood their roles and responsibilities” and listened to concerns, encouraging patients to provide feedback about the service.