A nursing home in New Malden has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), joining the less than one per cent in the borough with this accolade.

Following an inspection The White House Nursing Home was labelled ‘outstanding’ for responsiveness and leadership, and ‘good’ for safety, care and effectiveness.

People living in the home, as well as their relatives, were “extremely positive” about the quality of care and support, and said they felt safe at all times.

They had access to a “wide range” of group and individual activities and events, “which were tailored to meet their specific social needs and interests”.

Inspectors said: “This enabled people to live an active and fulfilling life.

“People who preferred or needed to stay in their bedroom were also protected from social isolation.

“People regularly participated in outings and activities in the local community.”

Children, young people, university students, entertainers and musicians often visit the home to perform plays, concerts and engage with the residents.

Staff, residents and family members were also “very complimentary” about the manager and owner of the home.

The report stated: “They said they were both highly regarded by everyone and worked well together as a team, which had a positive impact on the quality of the service provided at the home.

“People and staff said the managers were ever present in the home, approachable and always interested to hear what they had to say about the White House Nursing Home including any suggestions people, their relatives and staff might have about improving practice there.”

Inspectors found systems in the home were scrutinised carefully by management, and that “they used well-established quality assurance systems to ensure all aspects of the service were routinely monitored and could be improved for people”.

Management supported and encouraged staff and “recognised and rewarded them when they demonstrated excellence in the work place”.

Inspectors said: “Staff told us The White House Nursing Home was an excellent place to work, were very proud of the high standard of care they provided there and felt well supported by the managers.

“People and their relatives felt there was a strong commitment within the staff team to continuously improve and develop their working practices.”

Each resident had an up-to-date and personalised care plan, and assessments were regularly carried out to review needs.

The home, which offers short and long-term nursing care for up to 30 residents, has also recently been accredited with the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) for End of Life Care with “Beacon” status.

Staff have developed “caring relationships” with those living in the home and their relatives and always “warmly welcomed” families.

Manager Ajitha Pillai put the recent achievement down to “a committed, motivated and hardworking team with support from the directors, friends and family of the residents and volunteers”.

Director Rahim Nurmohamed said: “We are delighted.

“It’s been a real team effort to achieve this recognition.

“The residents’ care and welfare is of the greatest importance to us.

“We will just continue to do what we are doing to provide the best possible care.”