Support for deaf people 'outstanding' – inspectors

A care service enabling deaf people to live independently has been awarded an overall "outstanding" rating by the healthcare watchdog.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association to also be outstanding in the categories of "caring" and "being responsive".

The association said the grading was an "absolutely phenomenal" achievement for the team of carers who were themselves deaf.

The inspection took place between June and December last year.

The inspection focused on the association's support for care relating to personal hygiene and eating.

"People told us they received safe support from caring staff who knew them well," the report said.

"During the assessment we found improvements had taken place, and the service was fully staffed."

It also said people were encouraged to make their own choices and work towards goals, adding that staff respected their right to privacy and they received good support to maintain links within the community, which included a choice of activities, health promotion and education.

The CQC said it had found "some areas of governance and oversight" that "required improvement during this assessment".

But it said these improvements were acted upon during the assessment timeframe.

The inspection was supported by two independent British Sign Language interpreters.

Andy Palmer, from the association, said: "To receive the outstanding rating from the CQC again is an absolutely phenomenal achievement for the team.

"They work incredibly hard, have incredibly big hearts, and we're very lucky to have them.

"The team of carers are deaf themselves so they have a deep understanding of the people they care for."

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