St Michaels in Dover, Kent, has been praised by independent inspectors for the quality of care it provides to the people it supports with behavioural difficulties.
In its latest report, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) praised St Michaels for: "supporting residents to develop friendships and relationships nurturing their "individuality and diversity", and providing them with "opportunities to widen their experience and discovering new interests."
The specialist service was rated "outstanding" for providing a "responsive service". It was rated "good" overall, and "good" in four out of the five areas of assessment.
The CQC said: "Staff showed real commitment and empathy to the people they were supporting. Whilst behaving professionally, staff treated people as their friends." The inspectors also said, "staff worked enthusiastically to support people to lead the life of their choosing and as a result, their quality of life was enriched and optimised to the full". The inspectors described St Michael's as having, "a strong, visible person-centred culture."
St Michaels supports residents to go on outings and holidays. A resident told the CQC, "I'm going to the VIP live performance of Robot Wars and I'm going to London to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". The inspectors spoke of the close associations the service has developed with the local community: "People were supported to go out to the local shops, parks and cafes and had got to know the local proprietors and other people living in the village," and "staff recognised the importance of social contact and companionship".
St Michaels also has connections with national organisations. It has links with "Skills for Care", which promotes the development of skills and knowledge in the workplace.
The CQC singled out about the support given to someone who recently moved to St Michaels and the Dover area. Staff sent the then prospective resident an electronic "moving in" plan, which gave them details of where to find information about local areas of interests, including the link to the White Cliffs of Dover website. On their arrival, staff ensured the resident had an English Heritage card so that he could visit Dover Castle. This assistance made it easier for him to settle in.
Samantha Cox, service manager, said: "The staff and the management team at St Michael's have worked very hard to support the individuals who live here. Their commitment and dedication has resulted in some amazing positive life outcomes of which we are proud."
For more information on the specialist services Priory Adult Care can offer, please call the enquiries and referrals team on 0808 208 2147 or click here to make an enquiry.