At Derwent Lodge Care Home, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional and person-centred care to residents in Billingshurst, Horsham and the wider West Sussex area. Choosing the right care home for yourself or a loved one is a major decision, and peace of mind comes from knowing you’re in safe, compassionate hands.
As part of Splendid Healthcare, a trusted care home group, Derwent Lodge is committed to offering high-quality residential, dementia, nursing, respite, convalescent and palliative care in a warm and homely environment. Every day, our experienced team works to ensure residents enjoy a better quality of life, with care tailored to individual needs.
We’re proud to be regulated and routinely inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent body that monitors health and social care services across England. Understanding what CQC ratings mean can help you make a more confident decision when choosing a care home in the Horsham or West Sussex area.
What is the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) was created in 2009 under the Health and Social Care Act of 2008. It serves as the independent regulator for health and adult social care services in England. Their mission is to ensure that care providers, like Derwent Lodge, meet national standards of care quality and safety.
To legally operate, all care homes must be registered with the CQC and demonstrate that they provide safe, effective, compassionate and well-led care. Regular inspections ensure these standards are continuously met.
What Happens During a CQC Inspection?
During an inspection, CQC assessors focus on five key areas:
- Safety – Are residents protected from harm or abuse?
- Effectiveness – Does the care improve or maintain residents’ health and wellbeing?
- Care – Do staff treat residents with dignity, compassion, and respect?
- Responsiveness – Is care tailored to meet each individual’s changing needs?
- Well-led – Is the care home managed efficiently with strong leadership and values?
Inspections involve speaking with residents, staff and family members, reviewing care plans and policies, and observing daily life at the home. All findings are compiled into a report and published publicly.
Can You Access CQC Reports?
Yes! Transparency is key. After each inspection, the CQC publishes a detailed report on the care home’s performance, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement. Each home is given one of four overall quality ratings:
- Outstanding
- Good
- Requires Improvement
- Inadequate
If a home receives a rating of “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate”, they are required to take corrective action. Homes rated “Good” or “Outstanding” show they are meeting or exceeding expected standards of care.
Derwent Lodge’s Commitment to High Standards
At Derwent Lodge, we’re proud to have a ‘Good’ CQC care home rating in Billingshurst that reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in care across all five key inspection areas. Our compassionate team and personalised care plans, combined with our safe and welcoming environment, ensure that every resident receives the support they deserve.
Visit Our CQC-Rated Care Home in Billingshurst
Located near Horsham and throughout West Sussex, Derwent Lodge is easily accessible for families looking for outstanding local care. We offer a full range of specialist services, including:
- Residential Care
- Dementia Care
- Nursing Care
- Respite & Short-Term Stays
- Palliative & End-of-Life Care
- Convalescent Care
Whether you’re planning for the future or need urgent support, our experienced Care Home Manager and dedicated team are here to help. Come and see the difference for yourself! We welcome all enquiries and would love to show you around our home. Get in touch by calling us on 01403 786832 today or by sending us a mesage online.
