Military charity Blind Veterans UK has officially been recognised by Care Inspectorate Wales as ‘Excellent’, the highest possible rating, following an unannounced inspection in August.
Care Inspectorate Wales inspect care services to ensure standards are being met across four key areas: wellbeing, care and support, environment, and leadership.
‘Excellent’ status acknowledges the care provided by the charity as ‘outstanding’ and confirms that high quality care is being delivered, and that recipients of care are central in planning the services and support they receive.
The Inspector from Care Inspectorate Wales said:
“Care provided is effective and people are supported to achieve their goals successfully. Expert staff support people to partake in an excellent range of exciting activities.”
They continued:
“People are pleased they are able to do things they did not think possible.”
All areas of care and support provided by Blind Veterans UK at the centre were scrutinised. The inspection focused on the work of the care team but also looked at other departments including housekeeping, hospitality, wellbeing support, catering, transport, and volunteering, all of whom were rated as providing an exceptional service.
Kathy Boardman, Llandudno Head of Centre, said:
“I am immensely proud of how the whole team at the centre demonstrate their commitment to our blind veterans and how they go above and beyond every single day to provide such a high level of care to those who have served their country. They do this with passion and as one team.”
A party was held on 22 September for staff and volunteers based at the centre to get together and celebrate the achievement. They were joined by blind veterans staying at the centre for a wellbeing break. Attendees enjoyed live music, prosecco and a slice of cake, which had been made especially to mark the occasion by Blind Veterans UK’s catering supplier, Thomas Franks.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support
