Improving Shropshire care homes

Care homes in Ludlow and Shrewsbury have been praised by inspectors after greatly improving their standards during this year. Four Rivers Nursing Home, in Ludlow, and Crowmoor House care home and Kempsfield Hostel, both in Shrewsbury, were visited by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). A report was presented to members of Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (28 November), which highlighted improvements in all three homes.

Four Rivers Nursing Home, in Bromfield Road, Ludlow, was inspected in August and was praised for the work of its staff and provision of leisure activities for older people in the home. Inspectors said a clear complaints procedure had been developed, and service users knew how to make comments and suggestions. Overall, Four Rivers achieved a good rating in four out of the seven key standards and three rated as adequate, which compared favourably to the previous inspection in March.

Liam McKervey, Assistant Director - Adult Social Care at Shropshire County Council, said: “All requirements and recommendations made in the March inspection were noted and appropriate action was taken to address the issues within the timescales. Service users were very complimentary about the staff that care for them at Four Rivers Nursing Home, and felt they were very attentive.”

Crowmoor House care home in Shrewsbury was inspected in September when all standards were judged as good, except one which was judged as excellent. Liam McKervey said the inspectors were impressed with many aspects of the home, and said the delivery of personal care was “individual and flexible”. The report also said staff respected dignity and were sensitive to changing needs, and service users commented that the home was more comfortable following a recent refurbishment.

Kempsfield Hostel in Shrewsbury was inspected in July, and all standards were judged as good, with one judged as adequate. Mr McKervey said: “CSCI noted that people who live at Kempsfield are supported by a team of enthusiastic staff who offer good care and support. Service users who spoke with the inspector said they like living at Kempsfield, and it was regularly described as a ‘happy home’.”

Councillor Barbara Craig, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for community services, said: “It is very encouraging to see these positive inspections of Shropshire County Council’s care homes. Our staff work very hard to ensure the best possible care to older people and adults with learning disabilities, and this is testament to the work they are putting in.”

28 November 2007