Fernbank

Ratings

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

Date of assessment 15 September 2025 to 7 October 2025 Fernbank is a residential care home specialising in the support of people experiencing difficulties with their mental health.

Since our last inspection in 2018 the provider for this service has changed. This is its first rating under the new provider.

People were protected and kept safe by a team of caring staff who knew them well. Risks to people’s health and welfare were understood and managed effectively to reduce the likelihood of harm. Medicines were managed safely. Staff had training on administering medicines and had their competence checked annually.People were able to see healthcare professionals when neededand there was regular contact with the local GP surgery.

There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience and staff were recruited safely. Staff received training and regular supervision, which helped to support their wellbeing.

The service was well maintained and clean with attractive grounds which people could access easily. Regular checks of the environment were made to ensure it was safe.

There was a strong emphasis on helping people maintain and develop their independence. People were encouraged to take part in a variety of different activities, to help with their health and wellbeing. These included accessing the local community.

The management team were knowledgeable and understood their roles and responsibilities. Quality assurance systems in place ensured good oversight of the service. The service had systems to make sure incidents were reviewed, staff were de-briefed, and action taken to prevent recurrence. People, relatives and staff were able to provide feedback about the service.

People's experience of this service

Feedback from people and their relatives about the service and its staff was good. People told us they were happy living at Fernbank. One person said, “I love it.” Relatives spoke positively about the care their loved ones received and told us they knew they were safe there. They told us staff knew their loved ones well and provided the support they needed.

People and relatives felt the service was well-run. One relative told us, “I would recommend this home; there's a pleasant, friendly atmosphere and the staff are good. They support people with psychological issues well.”