Hunt hails centre for excelling in its work
HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP has congratulated Lancashire County Council on West Lancashire Short Breaks service being rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
In a letter to the service’s registered manager, Mr Hunt praised the team for the ‘‘exceptional quality’’ of care at the home and recognised staff for the immense amount of hard work and effort they have put in to achieve the rating.
West Lancashire Short Breaks Service, run by Lancashire County Council, provides support to adults with learning and physical disabilities.
It gives their families and carers the opportunity to have a break from their caring role.
The centre is based at School Lane, Skelmersdale and can support up to six people at a time.
The length of time people use the service varies from single overnight stays to more extended breaks.
County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: ‘‘I’m very pleased that Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, has written to the manager of the centre to recognise the hard work that all staff put in.
“His comments mean a great deal to everyone involved.
“The short break service is vital as it gives carers in the area, who work tirelessly to support their friends and family, an opportunity to take a break from their caring role.
“The team at West Lancashire supports around 70 people at this modern, cutting-edge facility.
“Mr Hunt’s comments, together with the ‘Outstanding’ inspection result, reassures people that those they care for are getting the very best support while using our service.
“Congratulations everyone involved.”
The inspectors praised the short breaks service for its exceptional employee training programme, the positive and professional attitude of staff, an excellent standard of care and range of activities for guests who use the service.
They also highlighted good safeguarding procedures, excellent modern facilities and systems that ensure people who use the service have an opportunity to share their views and make a difference to the way it is run.
To view copies of the CQC inspection report visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-339944250 at the CQC website. to