Halstead's Cedars Place care home rated outstanding by CQC

Two years after Stow Healthcare bought Cedars Place in Halstead, staff and residents are "ecstatic" to have received an outstanding rating the Care Quality Commission following the home’s first inspection under new ownership.

Previously rated as requiring improvement, the home suffered from a troubled history, underinvestment, and lack of leadership, the watchdog said.

In the report, inspectors say: “Stow Healthcare, the new provider, took over the management of the service approximately two years ago at a time where the service had struggled to provide a good, rated service.

“Since taking over the management of the service, the provider has provided strong effective leadership which has transformed the service and the care provided.”

The report says relatives “spoke highly” of the culture and leadership of the service and the care residents received from staff.

“The leadership team and staff consistently looked for new opportunities to support people to maximise their quality of life and independence in an exceptional person-centred way,” it says.

Feedback about the management captured by the report said staff “felt valued” by the management team, with one saying the manager is “amazing” and another saying the management team is “always there for you”.

Care home manager Judith Morgan Worrall said: “Having joined team Cedars Place at the beginning of 2022, it has been amazing to see the commitment and dedication of everyone at home to drive forward change and improve the lives of our residents.

“I am incredibly proud of the team and everyone’s contribution to this fantastic rating.”

Stow Healthcare director Ruth French added: “The staff, residents and families of Cedars Place are ecstatic. 

“We have an excellent team at the home, who have worked so hard to create a warm, loving and vibrant home that the town can be proud of. 

“We are thrilled that the inspectors have recognised the outstanding care we provide at Cedars Place.”