AN Oxfordshire care home offering rehabilitation for people with brain injuries and diseases has been praised by the national health watchdog.

A neurological rehabilitation centre in Oxfordshire has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Orchard House in Harwell, which opened in 2014, was rated 'outstanding' following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

The service offers accommodation for people with neurological conditions resulting from injury, illness or disease.

Inspectors praised the service for its exceptional care, its strong, values-led leadership and their person-centred approach displayed by the registered manager and staff, which provided clear therapeutic benefits for patients.

The CQC also highlighted how the registered manager had ‘continually thought of initiatives to make improvements to enhance people’s lives and those of the staff.’

Christchurch Group’s Registered Home Manager, Alexandra Costa, said: “We strive to ensure those we support are at the heart of life here at Orchard House and to create a friendly, welcoming environment, so I’m enormously proud to see that recognised.

“Great credit must go to our fantastic team, including care, therapy, governance and support staff, who enable our patients to achieve positive outcomes.

"Without their diligence and genuinely caring approach this would not have been achieved.”

The service, which is run by Christchurch Group, provides a transitional service helping to support its residents to move on to more independent living.

It was given the highest rating by the CQC in four out of the five inspection areas.

As part of the inspection, a number of patients, staff and relatives were spoken to and encouraged to provide feedback on the support they received at the centre.

One individual commented: “I feel I am safe and in a good place.

"I have been moved from home to home for a number of years. The people and staff are like a second family. I love it here.”

A relative added: “I am absolutely amazed at the care my daughter receives.

"The staff are really good, they’re always there, anything you want you get.”

Christchurch Group’s CEO Richard McKenzie, added: “I am delighted that Orchard House has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ status.

"We are proud to deliver life-changing, evidence-based outcomes for adults with neurological conditions.

“An ‘outstanding’ CQC is testament to the hard work and dedication that the staff have put in over the past 12 months.

"We are passionate about providing high quality, person-centred care, so to find out this has been recognised through a formal inspection is very rewarding.”