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MP praises team after visit to The Tides care home

• Care home manager says she was thrilled to host MP’s visit • Says it is an honour for team to be recognised for the work they do • Home is rated ‘outstanding’ for being effective • After its recent visit, CQC inspectors said, “People’s outcomes were consistently better than expected compared to similar services” • A resident’s relative told inspectors “I can’t hope for anything better” of the care they receive

MP Michael Tomlinson dropped in on a specialist care home in Broadstone, Dorset, to praise the work done there by its team of carers for adults with learning disabilities.

Mr Tomlinson, MP for Mid-Dorset and North Poole, visited The Tides care home after it was rated ‘outstanding’ for being “effective” by the health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Gail Kicks, home manager, said: “We were thrilled that the MP spared the time to visit us to see what we do, and he said it was wonderful to get an ‘outstanding’ rating for being effective.

“We are passionate about being at the centre of the local community, and the team at the Tides was able to show the MP the difference that good care makes to the lives of people here.

“Some team members have worked here for a relatively long time, which is a testament to the service, and he commented that this was unusual for our industry but commendable.”

Justine Cahill, Managing Director for the South West and Wales at Priory Adult Care, said: “Gail leads a highly professional, kind and committed workforce that supports her in delivering outstanding care and support to residents. The MP saw that and was very interested in how we managed to achieve such effective outcomes for those entrusted to our care.”

The CQC report on the home says, “Effective, collaborative working relationships have been made with health professionals when required. Staff spoke very knowledgably about people’s health needs.”

People’s bedrooms were described as being “highly personalised” by inspectors. The CQC said, “The home had recently been redecorated and people and their families were involved in choosing the colour schemes, carpets and furnishings.” They went on to say, “The provider had extended one person’s bedroom. This had allowed more space to enable staff to provide a variety of support and activities for this person… This had resulted in the person being happier.”

The report mentioned that the home organises regular food theme nights where residents can taste foods representing different cultures. Residents are supported to make crafts such as flags for the events.

In their review of the “responsive” category, inspectors mentioned that the home organises Your Voice meetings for residents to have their say about the running of the service. Staff organised a wide range of group and individual visits to local attractions and museums; the cinema; and special events such as craft fairs and fetes.

The Tides supports adults with learning disabilities. The care home is located in Broadstone, Dorset, and is managed by Priory Adult Care, a division within the renowned Priory Group, the mental healthcare specialists.

Pictured above left to right: Claire Orchard - Support Worker, John Victor Vizarra - Support Worker, Fiorela Skempi -Senior Support Worker, Bryony Brooks - Deputy Manager, Gail Kicks - Service Manager, MP, Michael Tomlinson, Chris Breen - Operations Director, Marilyn Beament – Support Worker, Johan Alfafara - Support Worker, Sheila Quindara - Support Worker.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Niamh Donnelly .