Surrey reablement service rated ‘Outstanding’

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded West 1 Reablement Service in Guildford from Good to Outstanding following an inspection carried out in April and May 2026.

The service, operated by Surrey County Council, provides short-term reablement support to help people regain their independence after illness, a hospital stay or changes in their ability to manage everyday activities. Support is typically provided for up to six weeks.

Following the inspection, the service was rated:

• Overall: Outstanding (up from Good)
• Caring: Outstanding (up from Good)
• Well-led: Outstanding (up from Good)
• Safe: Good
• Effective: Good
• Responsive: Good

Inspectors found the service consistently delivered high-quality, person-centred support, enabling people to regain confidence, rebuild everyday skills and achieve greater independence. The inspection also found the service had expanded its referral criteria in recent years, allowing more people, including those with more complex needs, to benefit from reablement.

Inspectors also found:

• Care was tailored to each person’s individual needs, strengths, preferences and goals.
• Staff worked closely with health and social care partners to ensure support was well coordinated and regularly reviewed.
• Technology was used to help people remain safe and independent at home, while also improving the speed and quality of the reablement process.
• Leaders promoted workforce development, with staff encouraged to build their skills through ongoing learning and training.
• Staff reported feeling supported and valued within a positive working culture.
• The service demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing its performance to enhance the quality of care provided.

CQC concluded that the service delivers consistently high standards of reablement, with strong leadership, effective partnership working and a person-centred approach helping people achieve positive outcomes and maintain their independence.

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