During an assessment under our new approach
We assessed Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre on 23 and 24 April 2026.
Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 15 June 2010 for the provision of treatment of disease, disorder or injury. This was the first inspection of the service since registration under the current provider. The assessment was scheduled due to the length of time since registration, with no previous inspection having taken place.
This was a fully comprehensive assessment of one service group: Community Health Inpatient services, where all quality statements were reviewed. Community health inpatient services provide care to adult patients receiving inpatient treatment within community hospitals or intermediate care settings.
Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre is a community-based intermediate care facility located in Winsford. The centre is a 30-bedded unit, comprising individual patient rooms across two floors. It is a nurse and therapy-led service with support from GPs.
People are assessed for suitability through a local Placement of Care Hub and are reviewed on admission. People are medically fit before admission. The service is supported by an expert multidisciplinary team (MDT) of therapists who focus on helping people regain functional independence where there are identified rehabilitation goals.
The site offers level, easy access and on-site parking for people, visitors, and staff. Services at the centre are provided by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The service works collaboratively with third sector organisations and other healthcare partners.
The inspection team consisted of 3 CQC Inspectors, 2 Specialist Advisors and 1 Expert by Experience. This was a short-notice announced inspection, meaning the provider was informed in advance.
During the inspection, we reviewed people’s care and treatment records, observed MDT referral meetings, and spoke with staff regarding care and treatment.
The provider had effective systems in place to support compliance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff were aware of the relevant policies, knew how to access advice when needed, and supported patients to make their own decisions wherever possible. Capacity assessments were completed and recorded appropriately on a decision-specific basis, and where patients lacked capacity, best-interest decisions reflected their wishes, feelings, culture and history. Staff made DoLS applications when required, monitored their progress, and the service regularly audited MCA practice, using findings to drive improvement.