Inspectors praise Swindon Intermediate Care Centre after every patient says they feel safe

Exterior of Great Western Hospital, Swindon

Every patient spoken to by CQC inspectors at Swindon Intermediate Care Centre said they felt safe, as the 60-bed service secured a Good rating in every area assessed just over a year after HCRG Care Group took responsibility.

The centre, based on the Great Western Hospital site, provides inpatient rehabilitation and reablement for adults recovering after hospital treatment, as well as people who need additional support to avoid an acute admission.

Inspectors visited Orchard Ward and Forest Ward from 27 to 29 April 2026, rating the service Good overall and Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led.

The report said people were “safe and protected from avoidable harm” and found a “proactive and positive culture of safety”, with staff using daily safety huddles, effective handovers and clear escalation processes to help keep people safe.

The report said feedback from people using the service was “largely positive”, with patients describing staff as “kind, caring and compassionate”, “lovely”, “friendly” and “supportive”.

CQC also noted that “staff and patients spoke freely on the ward and there was a good, warm atmosphere”.

Inspectors said the service “always treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion and respected their privacy and dignity”. People told them staff went “above and beyond”, treated them “with kindness, dignity and respect” and made them feel “well cared for”.

The report also recognised the centre’s focus on recovery and independence, saying: “The service promoted independence and rehabilitation, supporting people to regain confidence, daily living skills and functional ability.”

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

“This is a very encouraging rating for Swindon Intermediate Care Centre and a real credit to colleagues delivering care every day.

“The comments from people using the service are what matter most. They describe care that is kind, respectful and compassionate, delivered by teams who are supporting people at a really important stage in their recovery.

“Intermediate care plays a vital role in the local health and care system. It helps people rebuild confidence, return home safely where possible and regain the independence that can make such a difference to their lives.

“For HCRG Care Group, this first CQC rating since taking responsibility for the service is an important milestone. It reflects the work of colleagues across Orchard Ward, Forest Ward and the wider multidisciplinary team, as well as the support of local partners.

“CQC has also highlighted areas where the service can continue to strengthen, and we are already focused on those. This report gives us a strong platform to build from and is good news for patients, families, colleagues and partners across BSW Community Health.”

Swindon Intermediate Care Centre 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

PR and specialist healthcare press office service by Reeves in Birmingham and Newcastle.