THE Halcon Centre respite facility in Taunton has achieved an 'outstanding' rating in its latest Care Quality Commission inspection.

The centre, which provides support to adults with physical disabilities, was given the highest rating by the social care inspectorate, putting it in the top 1.4 per cent of adult social care providers in the country.

The inspection looked at whether the service was safe and effective, which were both rated ‘good’, with caring, responsive and well-led rated ‘outstanding’.

During the inspection, CQC representatives spoke with clients - they said: "One person wrote to us to say, ‘I knew the moment I arrived for an initial viewing that this was an exceptional home. It is overflowing with love, warmth, humour and laughter. This is evident not only in the residents, but also with the staff who are clearly happy in their work. It is clear that each and every resident, despite the severity of some severe and complex conditions, feels happy, contented and valued at Halcon House. It is also clear that they could not be provided with better quality care, delivered with love understanding and friendship by a team of highly dedicated and professional staff.’"

Comments from people included: "The staff will do anything for you, and I mean anything," and, "The care here is second to none. They are not just care staff they are staff that really care about what they do and about us."

One person said: "It's just like living with friends. The staff and the other people."

The inspection highlighted how staff were person-centred in their approach to support, saying: “Individual hobbies and interests were supported and encouraged.

"One person told us they liked to go to football matches and another said they liked doing arts and crafts at the home.

"Two people said they regularly got a taxi to go into town and another person said they thoroughly enjoyed trips to Weston-super-Mare to browse the charity shops with a member of staff.

"People who lived permanently at the home were supported by staff to have a holiday each year.

"Due to the complex needs of people and the equipment they required to meet their needs, recent holidays had taken place in the UK.

"However due to people's wishes some people were going abroad with staff this year.

"One person we spoke with was extremely excited about going abroad again and had created a countdown board on the dining room wall.

"One member of staff said, ‘The arrangements are never ending but it's not about us is it? That's what they want to do and it's up to us to make it happen.’”

Speaking on the inspection report, manager Kevin Mellor said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team for achieving an ‘outstanding’ CQC rating.

"I feel this report reflects just how we work at Halcon.

"The team are a big family; they’re passionate and committed to helping our clients live their lives as they wish.”

The Halcon Centre, which is also known as Halcon House, is a respite centre for adults with physical disabilities.

Many of the customers at the Halcon Centre treat their stays as a holiday and use the opportunity to go on trips out, continue with hobbies and interests.