Home Instead branch receives ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating

The Exeter and East Devon branch of care services provider Home Instead has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ classification after a recent inspection.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out the inspection, which involved sending questionnaires to clients and their relatives and friends, as well as staff and community professionals. Inspectors also reviewed staff files and meeting minutes, and visited clients in their homes.

Following a report from CQC inspectors, the home care franchise was given the highest classification of ‘Outstanding’. This is the second time the branch has attained an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the eight years it has been up and running.

The company also achieved ‘Outstanding’ in all five CQC sub-categories, assessing whether the franchise is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Being awarded this rating in all five divisions puts the Exeter and East Devon branch in the top one percent of British care providers who have attained the same ranking.

The CQC Interim Chief Inspector, Debbie Westhead, stated: “The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional and I am very pleased we can celebrate the service’s achievements.”

The Deputy Chief Inspector, Deborah Ivanova, explained: “It was clear throughout the inspection that the staff took pride in their work and went the extra mile for the people they supported.”

The report released by CQC details staff viewpoints and includes quotes from employees who praised the company’s practice of spending a minimum of one hour with clients, which allows them to “really connect”, and who stated, “I am proud to work with this friendly professional caring team that always puts the clients first.”

Mark McGlade, who owns the franchise with his wife, Vanessa, explained: “People put their trust in us and we take that very seriously. We are all humbled by the comments in the report”.

Vanessa added: “This would not be possible without the amazing and empathetic care delivered by our wonderful team of caregivers who are supported by an enthusiastic and diligent office team. Mark and I thank them all and are extremely grateful to be surrounded by such fabulous people.”