Wolverhampton Care Home Achieves Outstanding Rating at First CQC Inspection

Foxland Grange in Wolverhampton has received an outstanding rating in four areas following its first inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The care home, jointly operated by Care UK Care Services Limited and WT UK Opco 4 Limited under a dual registration, supports adults of all ages with dementia, nursing and residential care needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. There were 89 people living at the home when inspectors visited in October.

CQC rated the service outstanding for effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and leadership, while safety was rated good.

Inspectors praised the leadership and staff for creating a supportive environment where people received personalised care based on their individual needs, backgrounds and interests.

The regulator highlighted improvements in staff retention, which had increased by 56%, alongside a reduction in the use of agency workers. Relatives also reported fewer complaints and concerns, with inspectors noting that consistent staffing helped employees build stronger relationships with residents.

CQC found that staff organised activities around people’s interests and life experiences. These included helping an RAF veteran visit a local museum and work with a nearby military base to develop resources supporting other veterans in sharing their experiences.

The home also provided weekly sensory sessions for people living with dementia. Inspectors found these helped residents who did not communicate verbally become calmer and express themselves more effectively.

Other initiatives included a wish tree to help residents fulfil personal ambitions, such as attending theatre performances or football matches. One resident was also involved in welcoming new arrivals and helping recruit staff.

Inspectors highlighted examples of residents regaining confidence and pursuing interests with staff support. One person who had become withdrawn was helped to establish an art studio, exhibit work at a local gallery and return to writing poetry.

Another resident who had lost their wife found renewed purpose through gardening and went on to win an award for growing the tallest sunflower.

Staff also worked closely with district nurses and other healthcare professionals to support residents’ health. In one case, coordinated care helped a person with a painful pressure ulcer recover sufficiently to get out of bed and spend time with friends after six months.

Inspectors found that the home assessed people’s needs in person before admission, using the information to develop care plans and risk assessments so staff understood how to support residents from the outset.

CQC also praised the support provided to employees, including protected learning time for new starters, apprenticeships, counselling and staff recognition initiatives. Workers told inspectors they felt comfortable raising concerns, helping the team identify changes in residents’ health.

Leaders had also introduced a dedicated reception area where visiting healthcare professionals could share updates following appointments, improving communication between staff and external professionals.

Amanda Lyndon, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the West Midlands, said the inspection reflected the commitment of the home’s leadership and staff to providing high-quality, person-centred care.

The outstanding findings across four assessment areas mark a strong result for Foxland Grange at its first inspection since registering with CQC.

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