Islington care home praised by national inspectors

Home news

Jul 12, 2021

A care home in Islington has received the seal of approval of a national care watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Muriel Street care home, on Muriel Street, an overall ‘Good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection.

The home showed a substantial improvement since its last inspection, receiving ‘Good’ ratings in all five categories, including safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness and having a well-led service.

Inspectors were impressed by the range of meaningful activities on offer designed by the home’s award-winning Lifestyle Lead, and how the team adapted their programme to follow COVID-19 guidelines. A relative said: “they’re always doing something to try and make them smile.” Before the pandemic, residents had the opportunity to take part in many group activities, including dancing and sensory sessions – many of these were put on hold due to rules against the mixing of larger groups or had to be adjusted, but this didn’t deter team members. Instead, they launched a ‘Technology Club’, where residents are introduced to new gadgets and phone applications. This also enables them to keep in touch with family members more easily through video calls.

The report praised the Muriel Street’s tasteful design, tailored to the sensory needs of residents living with dementia. For example, a stimulating environment has been created by placing modern artwork on the walls alongside carefully designed information posters and pictures of various activities taking place at the home. The decor also helps residents to travel around the home safely, and as independently as possible, using contrasting colours for the walls and floors, as well as special amenities across the entire building.

The atmosphere at the home was also lauded in the report, with one relative commenting: “The home is well organised with good, cheerful people. It has a good feel.”  

the report also highlighted the impact of new measures put in place by the Home Manager, Tom Parry. Under his management, and thanks to his training process, which cover a number of topics, seven team members have been promoted to more senior roles. A relative commented: “I feel at ease knowing my Mum is safe and being well looked after”.

Tom Parry, Home Manager at Muriel Street, said: “Our commitment to training and team work is second-to-none and we all strive to ensure we provide the highest standards of care in a warm, nurturing environment here at Muriel Street.

“Receiving a ‘Good’ rating shows just how dedicated the team is to looking after every individual’s needs, and we will continue our hard work to ensure residents receive compassionate, person-centred care. I am incredibly proud of the improvements we continue to make and high standards we continually meet and would like to say thank you to the team for their dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”

To assess service standards at Muriel Street, the CQC inspectors spoke with team members, residents, and their relatives after the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.

Muriel Street care home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and offer the highest standards of care, including residential, nursing and dementia care.

For more information on Muriel Street, please call home manager Tom Parry on 0333 4343 060, or email thomas.parry@careuk.com

For more information on Muriel Street, please visit careuk.com/muriel-street