Montrose Hall, Wigan

Montrose Hall in Wigan, Lancashire, a residential home for older adults, some living with dementia was rated outstanding for being effective, caring, responsive and well-led following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 8, 9 & 14 August 2019.

It achieved the score of Good for the safe category.

The CQC report highlighted that a huge amount of thought and planning had gone into ensuring the home meet people's needs. Themed areas had been developed, which included lots of tactile areas and places for people to sit and chat or reminisce. A beach and seaside theme ran from inside to outside, which included a Punch and Judy box, sand pit and beach huts. The outside of the building had been painted to look like the sand, sea and sky.

CQC observations showed staff were kind, attentive and demonstrated a real understanding of people and their needs. They spent time talking to residents and those who were restless or upset. They noted that a resident looked after two empathy dolls. They had reported to staff that their 'babies' were unwell, so staff arranged for the district nurse to carry out a health check, which reassured the person.

Two staff had been finalists at The Great British Care Awards, with one winning their category. Staff members had also received recognition for their 'outstanding contribution' to care at Wigan Council's care home staff awards.