Team helping people after illness rated outstanding

A team that helps people get back on their feet after illness or a hospital stay has been rated outstanding by the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

The West 1 Reablement Service, which covers Guildford, Waverley and Surrey Heath, provides up to six weeks of free care and support to help people manage everyday tasks and live independently at home.

People get help with skills such as washing, dressing, preparing meals and moving around their home, enabling them to get back to doing what matters to them, Surrey County Council said.

The team supports about 1,000 people a year and was praised by inspectors for providing an "exceptionally high-quality service".

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said, in a report published on Friday, staff treated people with "exceptional kindness and compassion".

Amy Jupp, CQC deputy director for adult social care Surrey, said: "Staff focused on what people could do rather than what they couldn't, empowering them to set their own goals and take an active role in reviewing their progress.

"We saw how this person-centred approach helped people build confidence."

Sinead Mooney, the council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "This is wonderful recognition for a team which goes above and beyond every day."

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