Jubilee HouseThe Fire Fighters Charity has received a glowing report from health and social care inspectorate the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection of its rehabilitation centre in Penrith, Cumbria, it has been announced.

Jubilee House, one of the Charity’s 3 UK rehabilitation centres, requires an inspection because it has 4 beds registered with the CQC to provide nursing care. A number of treatments are available at Jubilee House, including physiotherapy, exercise therapy and psychological services. All 4 beds are situated on the ground floor of the purpose-built facility and are large, en-suite rooms capable of ensuring a range of nursing needs can be accommodated.

The CQC’s inspection regime is based around 5 key questions; are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led? The inspectors looked at the personal care and treatment records of the fire service beneficiaries who have used the centre’s services and carried out a visit in July to observe how people were cared for at each stage of their treatment and care.

The inspection team found evidence to demonstrate that a robust system of quality assurance and monitoring was in place, which included service user satisfaction surveys, staff training and development. They also found that The Fire Fighters Charity continues to place its beneficiaries in the fire community at the centre of their care, treatment and support.

One person told the CQC team: “The treatment I receive here is built around not only what I need here but also what I will need when I go home in order to remain independent. They (staff) adjust my treatment plans to meet my needs.” Another beneficiary added: “The staff here discuss my care with me, as well as my goals and expectations. It is absolutely excellent.”

Support and rehabilitation

The Fire Fighters Charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said: “We are very pleased with this inspection report, and we recognise the quality of support offered by our skilled staff teams. The Fire Fighters Charity is the leading provider of support and rehabilitation services for the fire and rescue community. We’re here for everyone serving in the UK’s fire and rescue service – and their dependants.  

“Our three rehabilitation centres help them get back on their feet after injury, illness and trauma. We also support individuals with long-term degenerative conditions, improving their quality of life. Our aim is always to provide safe, high-quality care and we are proud to be the leading support service for the fire service community. No other organisation provides such a full package of high quality support, exactly tailored to the needs of serving and retired fire fighters, support staff and their dependants.

“Our care and treatment plans are centred on the individual needs and requirements of the people who use our services. The CQC inspection report has highlighted that visitors to Jubilee House are very pleased with the service and treatment they receive. They are involved right from the start with the development of their care and treatment plans, and they are able to choose the level and type of support they want, which helps them to maintain their independence, privacy and dignity.” 

The full inspection report can be found on the Charity’s website – or it can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.cqc.org.uk/directory/1-116490439   

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