Gardens Neurological Centre

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 10 June 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 26 February to 23 May 2025.

Gardens Neurological Centre is a residential service providing support to adults of all ages living with complex neurological conditions, brain and/or spinal injuries. The service can accommodate up to 52 people. At the time of this assessment, the first floor of the building was not in use, so the capacity was reduced.

This was the first assessment carried out under our single assessment framework and was unannounced.

At our last inspection (report published 21 December 2023) we found breaches in regulation and rated the service Requires Improvement. At this assessment we found improvements had been made including areas relating to safe medicines management and person-centred care. The provider is no longer in breach of regulation and the service is now rated Good.

People were at the centre of their care and were involved in the planning and review of their care. Staff were aware of people’s likes, dislikes and preferred routines. People were supported to make decisions, with support from relatives and advocates, where appropriate.

Risk assessments in place were detailed, under frequent review and provided staff with clear guidance as to the way people’s care and support was to be safely delivered. The service adopted a multi-disciplinary approach with a wide range of partner agencies, including health and social care professionals, involved in ensuring the service met people’s needs.

Staff recruitment processes were robust, with a programme of training, support and supervision in place for all staff. We observed staff numbers to be sufficient, with people’s care needs and requests for support being met in a timely manner.

There was an open and transparent culture at the service. The provider acknowledged that recent changes at the service had been challenging for staff at times, but remained committed to ensuring that people, relatives and staff were kept informed and supported throughout the process.

The management team was receptive to the feedback we shared. They responded positively and gave assurances in ways they felt that communication and information sharing could be improved with relatives.

The provider had recently reviewed and adapted the quality assurance system in place. Changes made enabled effective oversight of the service, with actions completed where improvements were identified as needed. The provider was open to feedback of all types and used it as a learning opportunity.