Chippenham Hospital rated Good by CQC as patients praise "respectful and supportive" care

Image: Chippenham Hospital

Chippenham Hospital has been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission across every category inspected which are; Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led, following its first assessment since registering under HCRG Care Group.

Inspectors visited the hospital's 37-bed rehabilitation service in March, speaking with 23 patients across Cedar Ward, which provides general rehabilitation, and Mulberry Ward, which specialises in stroke and neurological recovery. All patients told inspectors they felt safe, and feedback about their care was consistently positive.

"They treat me with great respect," one patient told inspectors. Another said staff were "very kind" and "encouraged me to do things to get mobile again." A relative said: "Visiting times are more flexible, you can come when you like."

The service received 100% positive responses to the Friends and Family Test over the past 12 months, alongside eight formal compliments in the last three months. Inspectors found that people were treated with kindness, compassion, dignity and respect, and were fully involved in decisions about their care.

The report praised the hospital's positive culture of safety, with colleagues reporting incidents and using the learning to improve care. Inspectors also found that risks were managed effectively and the wards were safe and well maintained.

CQC recognised colleagues' understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, with 93% of staff across both wards completing MCA training against the service's own 85% target. The report also highlighted the hospital's use of technology to strengthen safer recruitment.

Val Scrase, Regional Director for the South West at HCRG Care Group, said:

"The comments from patients are what matter most. They describe respectful and supportive care that has made a positive difference to their lives.

"Rehabilitation helps people rebuild their strength, confidence and independence following illness or injury. That requires expertise, patience and close teamwork, and this Good rating across every category is a real credit to colleagues across Cedar and Mulberry wards and the wider multidisciplinary team.

"We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the kindness and respect shown to patients, alongside the strong safety culture that underpins their care. This is an encouraging first rating for the service under HCRG Care Group and a positive result for patients, families and colleagues."

Chippenham Hospital forms part of BSW Community Health, delivered by HCRG Care Group on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.

ENDS

Notes to editors

HCRG Care Group delivers community health and care services commissioned by the NHS and local authorities across England.

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