The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated a care home in Ross-on-Wye as Outstanding, following a recent inspection.

Hazelhurst Nursing Home, which accommodates up to 44 people, including people living with dementia and physical disabilities, was inspected in December 2019. It had previously been rate Good, following an inspection in 2017.

In addition to an overall rating, CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, rates services according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Following this latest inspection, Hazelhurst Nursing Home is rated Outstanding for being effective and responsive, becoming the fifth of the group's homes to receive an Outstanding rating. It is rated Good for being safe, caring and well-led.

A report detailing inspectors’ findings has been published on the CQC’s website.

Amanda Lyndon, CQC interim head of inspection for adult social, said: “Our inspection team was very impressed by the level of care and support offered at Hazelhurst Nursing Home.

“People achieved positive outcomes and enjoyed good quality of life. Their needs and preferences were thoroughly assessed prior to admission, ensuring requirements could be met. Once resident, people benefited from advanced training staff received – including for diabetes, sepsis, moving and handling as well as end-of-life care.

“People were supported to partake in activities that mattered to them. For people unable to leave their rooms, staff created personalised music playlists.” For people wanting to participate, regular activities at the home included music, arts and crafts, cookery, exercise sessions, a knitting group and a gardening club. Other activities included swimming in a hydrotherapy pool and attending concerts.

“People’s health and wellbeing was supported with a good selection of healthy food. People were consulted to ascertain foods they liked and menus were developed considering preferences, nutritional value and individual dietary requirements.

“All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated Outstanding.”

Karen Rogers, of Herefordshire Care Homes, owners of Hazlehurst Nursing Home, added: “We achieve these very high standards because of the consistent good practice which puts the wellbeing of our residents at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make.

“I’m so proud of all of the homes within our group who work hard every day to provide our residents with a happy environment where they feel safe.”

“We welcome such rigorous CQC inspections and clear ratings so that older people and their families can see which homes are the best in the country.”