A “lifeline” short breaks service for children and adults with a learning disability has upheld it’s good rating following a rigorous national inspection.
Cambeck Close in Whitefield Bury provides overnight breaks to people who have a severe learning disability and additional healthcare needs.
The team can support up to three children and three adults each night. They are accommodated separately in two adapted bungalows and breaks are scheduled throughout the year.
The service was recently inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is a national independent regulator that aims to ensure health and social care services are safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality.
After speaking to a range of people and reviewing information, records, and processes, Cambeck Close was awarded the second highest rating of good in all five domains – safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. This means a rating of good overall for the service.
The inspectors noted people receive kind and compassionate care and are treated with respect and dignity. Staff understand and respond to patients’ needs, including cultural. Patients are offered good access to their wider local community that most people take for granted. And staff enable them to have maximum choice and control of their lives. They also noted that staff enjoyed working at the service and felt listened to.
Owen Philp, 30, from Bury, and his parents Malcolm and Elinor have benefited from overnight breaks at Cambeck Close. Malcolm said: “It’s a fantastic facility where Owen is not only safe but enabled and valued as the amazing young person he is.
“He’s not just sat in front of a TV, the team communicate well and productively engage him in activities such as gardening, and craft.
Elinor added: “I think it’s important to shout about this service. Being without it would negatively impact on all our health and wellbeing.
“I have complete confidence in the team. Some of them have known him since he was a child, so there’s consistency and a familiar face. They treat him as an individual.
“They say you can judge a society by how it looks after its most vulnerable people. Cambeck is a real gem.”
Clare Parker is director of quality, nursing and healthcare professionals, and deputy chief executive at Pennine Care. She said: “We’re proud of the whole team who are dedicated to providing the best care. The success is also thanks to the fantastic managers, who lead with compassion and have driven forward several improvements.
“As part of the inspection families and carers spoke about the team’s positive values, the person-centred care provided and their care and attention, which makes people’s stay comfortable and enjoyable.
“The team is working through the CQC’s recommendations and will continue to explore other improvements in partnership with patients, families, and carers.
“Taking time for themselves is a lifeline for some families and carers. Thanks to the amazing Cambeck team they can be safe in the knowledge their loved one will receive safe and high-quality care tailored to their needs.”
Cambeck Close can support people in Bury, from primary school age through to their 70s.
Families can self-refer or ask a GP or a health/social care professional to refer on their behalf.
