Excellent service at Chichester, Midhurst and Bognor Regis care homes

Ten homes from the three areas were placed in the ‘adequate’ category, while 143 care homes across the county were put in the ‘good’ category.

Heathfield Care Home in West Wittering had been placed in the ‘poor’ category before the CQC ratings system changed last October. A review in November last year shows the home is now meeting all the essential standards of quality.

The homes taken into account include all care homes and care homes with nursing. It does not account for homes which specifically provide care for those with mental illnesses or other conditions.

Before the ratings changed, homes that were given an ‘excellent’ rating were: Church Farm Residential Home, Church Farm Lane, East Wittering, Chichester; Dovecote View, Claypit Lane, Westhampnett, Chichester; Ferndale Residential Care Home, Stein Road, Southbourne, Manorfield, Clappers Lane, Earnley, Chichester, St Wilfred’s – Arundel Priory, London Road, Arundel; Summerfields, Church Road, Selsey, Chichester.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “West Sussex County Council do monitor services and those services that were rated ‘poor’ under the previous regulations have been reviewed since October 2010 in order to make a decision on future placements.

“When new placements are being made into care homes, or any registered services, the advice is for individuals and/or their family to refer to the most recent publication relating to that service on the CQC website, visit the home and talk to the manager in order that an informed decision may be made before committing to a particular home.”

A new 2010/11 caring guide, produced jointly by West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Forum, is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk and www.caringinfo.com.