Staff and management at a Northumberland care home are celebrating, after the Care Quality Commission gave them a new, improved rating.
Birkinshaw Manor at Front Street, Bedlington was saved from closure in late 2021 when it was taken over by Vital Care Services, which pledged to improve its “inadequate” status and secure its future.
And that pledge has now been fulfilled, following a recent CQC inspection which has rated the home “good” across all domains.
Formerly Baedling Manor, the struggling home was in real danger of shutting down before it was saved, protecting jobs and securing a much-needed service for the local community.
The CQC report took into account comments from residents and their families who praised the new regime and the level of care that was now on offer.
The findings praised the home, saying that “the service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created promoted high-quality, person-centred care.”
“This is an outstanding success,” she said.
“It’s down to the hard work of everyone involved that we have been able to turn the home around, in what is really a very short space of time.”
“We are absolutely delighted with this outcome and I want to thank all the staff, residents and their families for their continued support.”
Geetika Mutch, director of Vital Care Services
The 55 bed facility, which employs more than 50 staff was supported by an experienced team from Prestwick Care to help take Birkinshaw Manor to the next level.
Nicola Undeldorf, registered manager at Birkinshaw Manor, said reaching the new standard was as a result of “a huge amount of team work.”
“We’ve faced some huge challenges but it has definitely all been worth it and all of the staff and the residents are absolutely thrilled,” she said.
“We have put in place all new policies and procedures with residents and their families very much a part of the decision making process.
“We kept the residents up to date with everything that was happening, which we know they really appreciated.
“It’s a fantastic place to work and we are delighted with this outcome.”
Nicola Undeldorf
“We are really pleased that Birkinshaw Manor has joined the already high proportion of care homes that are rated as good or outstanding in Northumberland.
“The council is committed to working with care home operators to support improvement and ensure good quality services for the residents of Northumberland.”
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson
