Gorsey Clough Nursing Home

The home has undergone a major refurbishment over the past three years, and this has been completed to an exceptionally high standard. The design and decoration, both internally and externally followed best practice standards for creating an environment that supported people living with dementia, memory problems, behaviours that challenge and mental health support needs.

People were treated with exceptional care and kindness. They and their relatives thought very highly of the staff and praised their caring, thoughtfulness and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty for them. One relative told us, 'We were shown round the home by the manager and we felt valued, not just another customer. Their whole ethos about care spoke volumes to us."

The passion and motivation of the registered manager and senior staff created a committed staff team. These key members of staff supported nursing and care staff to provide an outstanding level of person centred care to people through regular reflection and learning.

People had access to a wide range of activities which enabled them to live fulfilled and active lives. There were numerous examples of staff's endeavour to provide meaningful experiences and lasting, happy memories. A range of activities were available and well attended across the home. Activities were extremely person-centred and were held individually and in groups.

There had been a significant investment in staff training and development of staff, which had resulted in improved outcomes for people, particularly those living with dementia. Several staff attended university and a number of staff had graduated with foundation degrees in health and social care.

People receiving end of life care experienced a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death. Staff had received bespoke training to help them meet the needs of people and their families. Staff provided emotional support and practical assistance needed at the end of the person's life. One relative commented, "It was an extremely sad and distressing time for us when [person's name] reached their end of life pathway. However, the staff at Gorsey Clough were just amazing. They treated [person's name] with the utmost dignity and care."

The home was exceptionally well led. There was a continuous ethos of learning and improvement for the people, the staff and management of the home. Everyone we spoke with felt wholly supported by the management team. The provider and registered manager had complete oversight of the home and were at the forefront of it. The provider had systems in place to monitor and continually improve the home and peoples experiences, working collaborative with external agencies, maintaining strong i communications, the sharing of good practice to ensure the achievement of high quality care and support across the organisation.

Staff involved in the inspection demonstrated a genuine passion for the roles they performed and their individual responsibilities. Visions for people and plans for the future were understood and shared across the staff team. They embraced new initiatives with the support of the registered manager and colleagues. They continued to look at the needs of people who used the service and ways to make positive changes.

Risks to people's safety and well-being were managed through an effective risk management process. There were sufficient experienced staff deployed to meet people's needs. Medicines were managed safely and in line with best practice guidance. One person's relative told us, "[Person's name] medicines have been reviewed and they are now on a lot less, which has improved things greatly."

Care plans were in place which captured people's needs. Staff could accurately describe individuals plans of care and people were involved in developing and reviewing them along with people and their representatives.

Staff took great pride in creating an atmosphere that welcomed people. People had a pleasant, well- presented dining experience which offered a variety of appetising food choices available at times that suited their individual preferences. Staff supported people to maintain food and fluid intake, including, a continuous supply of snacks, and making people hot drinks to help them relax and maintain their comfort.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff had an excellent understanding of when the principles of the Mental Capacity Act should be applied.