The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has awarded our care home on the Isle of Wight an overall rating of ‘Good’ across all our services.
Easthill Home for Deaf People is the only residential care home for deaf BSL users in the UK, ensuring our residents can access information in their preferred language. Easthill has operated for over 50 years and merged with Deaf Action in September 2021, with the existing team remaining in place.
The CQC inspection was carried out unannounced in November 2022. The inspection team were accompanied by a BSL interpreter to ensure everyone could express their views of the care provided. The team spoke to residents, family members and staff, as well as reviewing our training procedures, surveys and other care home policies.
They received positive feedback around all services from the residents, particularly with regards to Easthill’s unique offering of BSL, with one resident’s family member stating; “I have strong confidence in the staff at Easthill’s ability to communicate with my relative. I feel that this communication means [my family member] is understood which forms a great basis to develop a deeper understanding of her needs”.
The level of care that the staff deliver to the residents of Easthill was found to be excellent, with one resident stating; “I’m very happy, it’s safe here, the staff are nice.”
Observations from the inspection team found that the staff consistently treated people with respect, affection and in a caring manner such as reassuring a person by bending down to their eye level and using touch appropriately.
Similarly, the staff reported back their enthusiasm and passion for their work, complimenting the training, support and personal safety procedures that are in place at Easthill. With BSL being used by staff across the whole care home, new staff members are being trained to deliver the communication needs of all their residents. The home’s Registered Manager, Amber Holbrook, is continuing to provide excellent care to both the residents and the staff, with one staff member stating they could go to her with any issues or concerns.
With Covid-19 still affecting care homes, the new visiting procedures in place at Easthill are a fantastic addition to the residents and families concerned, with video visiting, regular updates from the staff and other forms of communication being provided. One family member stated; “Amber does a fantastic job in sharing brief updates of my relatives progress, sharing pictures of days out and activities which is very heart warming.”
Liz Jones, Deputy CEO at Deaf Action said of the achievement:
“The team at Easthill are exceptional, their hard work and dedication to providing the best service possible to our residents is second to none. Amber and all the staff work tirelessly for the benefit of others and I’m delighted they have been recognised with the CQC rating.”
Amber Holbrook, Registered Manager said:
“I am so proud of my team, the past few years have been extremely challenging but we pulled together and we got through it. We have a great support network around us which is made up of health professionals & resident’s families and friends. To maintain a good rating meant so much to me and I will always be proud to work at Easthill.”
Huge congratulations to Amber and the whole care team at Easthill; the rating is an achievement and a testament to the care and service provided to our residents.
You can read the whole CQC report on their website.