The First in Wales

Ebbw Vale Care Home is the first in Wales to achieve a Care Inspections UK Certificate.

The Rookery, a residential care home in Ebbw Vale, has made history by becoming the first care home in Wales to achieve the prestigious award of a CIUK Certificate by the only UKAS Accredited Care Inspection Body in the UK.

To achieve this certificate, a care home must be assessed as having the highest care, safety and employment standards.

This compliance is a significant endorsement of the home’s commitment to providing high-quality care for its residents, including those with dementia.

The Rookery is registered with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 41 people.

The certificate was awarded following an independent audit by Care Inspections UK (CIUK). The two-day inspection praised the home’s high standards, ethos of continuous improvement, and person-centred care. It was noted that The Rookery’s management and staff were highly receptive to feedback and acted swiftly to address any minor non-compliance.

Rebecca Ray, manager of The Rookery, expressed her pride in the team’s achievement: “We are thrilled to be the first care home in Wales to be awarded a CIUK certificate. This recognition reflects our entire team’s hard work and dedication, who consistently strive to provide the best possible care for our residents. At The Rookery, our focus is always on ensuring our residents’ safety, well-being, and dignity, and this certification is a testament to those efforts.”

The inspection highlighted several key strengths, including:

• Person-centred care plans: tailored to manage each resident’s individual needs and risks.
• Robust health and safety practices: all necessary certificates and maintenance checks were in place.
• A meaningful activity programme focused on engaging residents and promoting community involvement.
• High training compliance: staff were well-trained and knowledgeable in providing care.
• Welcoming atmosphere: the home was noted for its respectful, friendly

CIUK praised The Rookery’s commitment to care quality: “The Rookery has set a new benchmark for care homes in Wales. The team’s dedication to personalising care and fostering a welcoming, respectful environment for residents is commendable. It was clear throughout the inspection that both the management and staff are deeply committed to maintaining the dignity and independence of the residents in their care.”

Rebecca Ray continues, “This certificate is not the end of our journey but an important milestone. We are continually looking for ways to enhance our residents’ quality of life and ensure that they feel supported and valued. I’m incredibly proud of the team and excited about the future of The Rookery, which includes a major makeover in the next few months!”

With a score of more than 85 per cent in all ten areas inspected and no major non-compliances, the Rookery has established itself as an outstanding care home. The certificate affirms the home’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety, care, and resident well-being standards.