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Respite care unit praised by inspectors

A respite care unit for younger adults in Hoddesdon run by Hertfordshire County Council has passed an inspection with flying colours.

Staff at Isabel Court in Walton Road were praised for being a "caring and committed team who take pride in what they do" and who ensure that "on arrival people are made to feel welcome" in a recent report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

Isabel Court Respite Care Unit allows up to three young people with physical or learning disabilities to have a break where they can be with people of their own age. The unit is a self-contained three bedroom ground floor flat within a purpose-built development for younger adults and is owned by Aldwyck Housing Association. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and is fully equipped to cater for a range of needs. The service, much needed by families and service users alike, is run by Hertfordshire County Council's Adult Care Services department.

Inspectors highlighted the good communication between staff and how knowledgeable they were about the needs of service users and their families.

They pointed to "very good auditing and quality control systems" which provide a safe environment for service users and staff, and to the high quality training available to staff to develop their skills and obtain appropriate qualifications.

Sally Newton, Executive Member for Adult Care and Health, said: "This is an excellent service and I'm delighted that it has got the recognition it deserves. The hard work of our staff often goes unnoticed, so it is always nice when they are rightly praised for their efforts."

Cath Sharples, manager of Isabel Court, said: "It was particularly nice to read that a relative of someone who stays here told the inspectors that they were pleased with all aspects of care that their son receives. It is hearing things like that which makes all of our hard work worthwhile."

The full report is available at www.csci.org.uk.

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