The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Valentine House

Broadway, Silver End, Witham, Essex, CM8 3RF (01376) 585965

Provided and run by:
Atlantis Health Care Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

4 April 2012

During a routine inspection

People who use the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about their care and treatment. The provider took account of complaints and comments to improve the service. Positive comments were noted and these included 'How much we appreciate the wonderful care, love and kindness you showed to our relative during the time they spent with you and the support you gave to us' and 'Thank you for all your help and assistance in looking after our relative.'

Two people we spoke with told us that they were happy living at Valentine House and found the care staff to be very good and the care to be appropriate.

29 November 2011

During a routine inspection

People with whom we spoke told us that they liked living at Valentine House and that they found staff to be kind and caring. They told us that they were treated well by care staff and that their privacy and dignity were respected. In general comments about the service were positive and these included 'I don't have any problems here - the care is good', 'I have always liked being here and I know my favourite girls' and 'I am happy here.' Two people who use the service told us that the only negative comments they wished to make were in relation to their call bells not always being answered promptly and having to wait for up to 15 to 20 minutes before staff assistance arrived.

People also told us that they felt safe and that, if they had any concerns or worries, they would discuss them with their relative or a member of staff.

23 November 2010

During an inspection in response to concerns

We spent time on the Dementia Unit and one person who uses this service told us they were happy and liked living at Valentine House. Where people were unable to provide a verbal response or tell us verbally their experiences as a result of their limited verbal communication or poor cognitive ability, we noted their non verbal cues and these indicated that people were relaxed and found their experience at Valentine House to be positive.

Since May 2010, surveys have been forwarded to people who use the service, their friends and relatives, and staff who work at Valentine House about the quality of the service and/or facilities provided at the home. Records told us that 11 out of 33 friends/relatives responded to the survey. One relative recorded 'We are very happy with the service and care which has reflected in the person's improved health and condition'.

Support staff told us that changes to the environment on the Dementia Unit were having a positive impact on people who use the service e.g. people appeared much calmer and more relaxed.

Staff told us they have received Dementia training or are in the process of receiving this training. Staff told us that they have found this very beneficial and useful and are trying to apply their learning to everyday practice.

Records showed that 13 out of 35 members of support staff responded to the service's Quality Assurance process implemented in May 2010. The results told us that 93% of staff felt their training needs 'were being met' and 7% of staff told us that 'sometimes' their training needs were met.