Double Celebration for Providence Court

On Wednesday 23rd May 2018, Councillor John Bishop, Vice-Chairman of North Herts District Council was the guest of honour at Providence Court care home in Baldock. Councillor John Bishop was asked to cut the ribbon and open the homes newly refurbished Best Friends Café. This followed an unannounced inspection the previous week by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).The home is now having a double celebration since seeing that CQC published an Inspection Report on Wednesday 6th June 2018, announcing that the home that cares for up to 61 residents had been given an overall ‘Good’ rating by inspectors, for providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care service. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, they monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. Following their unannounced inspections the findings are then published, including performance ratings to help people choose suitable care. The home recently completed the refurbishment of its Best Friends Café area. This has been created for families and friends to spend time with loved ones in a comfortable, homely environment where tea, cakes and other delicacies will be available. It will also be used for residents to meet to watch one of the many live entertainers that come into the home as well as birthday parties and fine dining evenings that are run monthly. The Best Friends Café is also available for small local groups to use by prior arrangement with the management. Acting Home Manager, Nathan Burton commented: “We are all absolutely delighted that the home has been recognised for the quality of care that is being delivered on a daily basis. The result maintains our high review rating of 9.2 out of 10 as shown on www.carehome.co.uk. It is proof that we are a reliable and high-quality care home for both residential and dementia care.” “It was also a pleasure to have Councillor John Bishop, Vice-Chairman of North Herts District Council officially open our Best Friends Café just two weeks before the CQC news was published. There is a really nice atmosphere in the home and long may it continue. We are an important part of the community in Baldock, next month we are looking forward to holding our Summer Garden Party on Saturday 21st July 2018, this will be open to the public.” A few comments extracted from the report: People told us that staff were kind. One person told us, "Kind and caring? Oh yes, every one." Another person said, "Staff are all kind and caring, all the time. Everyone is caring and well humoured. It's clean and tidy, done with minimum fuss…I'm very comfortable here." People felt that staff promoted their dignity and protected their privacy. A relative told us, "Privacy and dignity is good. [Person] is completely immobile now and needs everything doing." A person who had lived at the home for a short respite break had stated they had appreciated the kindness of staff and that they would come back for long-term care if needed. People told us that they received care from staff who were skilled and knowledgeable. One person said, "Staff seem well trained and supported. They (Quantum Care) take trouble to find the right people." One staff member said, "Training happens all the time." Another staff member said, "The training at the beginning was brilliant as I'd never worked in care before. I've done all my refresher training and more."