Minister David Mowat Visits Birtley House
Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Care and Support David Mowat paid a visit to Birtley House yesterday. Earlier this week and met with the nursing home’s owner Simon Whalley who told him about the history of the home, with his own grandfather opening up his home to support people with mental health problems in the community.
He also spoke to representatives from Care England and the home’s manager Karen Williams who provided details about the services offered to residents and also importantly the training for staff. Karen said that the wellbeing of residents is at the heart of everything they do and they are clear that their staff should have a ‘heart’ for care.
They also want to make sure staff feel they have entered into a fulfilling career in care and therefore have dedicated training for staff and aim to promote from within.
The minister was taken on a tour of the home and met with residents including Mary who has been a resident at the home for two years and feels very well looked after.
I’ve also attached some photos I took from the visit, please let me know if you need anything else.
Mowat said:
“I was very impressed with the quality of care and dedication of staff at Birtley House and was able to see first-hand why this home was rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC.”
“Social care is a priority for me and I look forward to visiting care homes around the country and meeting people trying out new ideas in the way they deliver care.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said:
“Birtley House is a long standing member of Care England’s and I am delighted that the Minister visited it. Birtley House is a good example of how outstanding care can be achieved with the right local networks, strong leadership and an excellent and well supported staff team.
The Minister and his team were able to see the importance of the role of the natural environment and the emphasis that Birtley House places on residents’ mental health and wellbeing. Both of these are essential, contribute to long-term health outcomes and must not be considered an added extra. Wellbeing and environment are the core of what Birtley House offer and outstanding care should consider.
In an era where the traditional role of the care home can be questioned, Birtley House is an example of what the care home can be, and achieve in a local area: a voluntary sector hub, a therapeutic centre, a place of highly skilled nursing care and a home with a vibrant social life taking innovative approaches to ageing. Core to all this is the appropriate funding that social care needs to deliver such high quality care to those who need and deserve it”.