National care inspectors praise Darlington care home

A national care watchdog has given a Darlington care home its seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising its caring, person-centred culture.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Ventress Hall, on Trinity Road, an overall good rating, following an unannounced inspection.

The home is now rated good in all five areas, including safe, effective, caring, responsive and being well-led.

Residents felt safe living in the home and spoke fondly of the team. Comments included, "The staff are wonderful, very helpful and they remember things. I have trust in the staff here, they know their job. I'm very comfortable and happy" and, "They [staff] really push the boat out to give the residents a nice time with such personal care and attention." 

The report also stated that residents were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and the team supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. 

The management team at the home was praised by inspectors and relatives, who described the atmosphere as positive and person-centred. The Home Manager, Diane Encinias, has implemented an inclusive culture where people feel empowered, an approach reflected in the quality of the care residents receive. 

One team member commented: "I love my job and looking after the residents, they are all so lovely. Diane is approachable and supportive.”

One relative commented: "The manager is very communicative and helpful. She keeps us well informed about everything."

Another commented: “There is a good team spirit, very friendly, relaxed and comfortable. There's nothing to improve." 

Residents, the team, relatives and professionals were asked to share their views of the home. Recent comments from health professionals included: “Excellent staff – first class manager. Excellent, always a pleasure to visit Ventress” and, "Very knowledgeable staff and always willing to help. I really enjoy my visits to the home, residents always appear very well looked after”.

Diane said: “Everyone at Ventress Hall works incredibly hard to provide the highest possible standards of care to all residents and their families in a friendly, comfortable environment, so I’m proud we received a good CQC rating. 

“Every resident is unique – so why should their care plan be any different? We pride ourselves in the high-quality tailored care we provide, enabling residents to lead fulfilling lives in a warm, peaceful environment that has been designed to promote independence and support those who live at the home.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Ventress Hall for their dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families. They are what makes our care home a wonderful place to call home for so many residents, and I’m grateful for everything they do on a daily basis.”

To assess service standards at Ventress Hall, the CQC inspectors spoke with team members, residents, and their visiting relatives on the day of the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home. 

Ventress Hall provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The care home has 91 bedrooms, along with attractive lounge areas; all designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, whilst promoting independence. The care home also incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including outdoor courtyards.

For more information on Ventress Hall, please email Home Manager Diane Encinias on diane.encinias@careuk.com or call on 01325 778478.

For more information on Ventress Hall, please visit careuk.com/ventress-hall