The CQC are the Care Quality Commission, they are the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. In the same way that OFSTED inspects educational organisations, the CQC inspects hospitals and care homes and awards them a rating based on five CQC standards, safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

As a new care home, we have been keenly awaiting our inspection for a while. We know that the thought of being inspected can cause fear and anxiety for some but not for us. We have a senior management team with years of experience we have access to the best training and more than adequate staffing numbers. We are part of a company that puts care first, that aims for the highest level of service. We are proud of what we do.

Our resident feedback is humbling, we are privileged to work in their home, and we are bowled over by their kind comments. Our residents put their trust in us, and we cherish it.

CQC finally visited us last month, we greeted them with excitement, keen to show them around, to show off a bit. They were charming and friendly and seemed genuinely impressed with everything that we are achieving on behalf of our residents.

We were delighted when a short time after their visit we received our report, we were rated GOOD in every category, and we are proud to display our rating on the door to Hazel End.

We have been celebrating ever since, well done to everyone at Hazel End, we are a team and a pretty good one at that