Message from CEO

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all like this new Intranet and this is my first message from a regular monthly update on key issues for the business relative to you.

As we approach Xmas and review the past year, we can all give ourselves a pat on the back for a job well done under challenging circumstances. We end the year on our highest ever occupancy levels and a number of homes who have struggled in the past have achieved best ever levels due to the improved quality and reputation gained.

When other providers are struggling and even closing, we are growing from strength to strength as demand for placements is ever increasing, especially from hospitals needing to release bed blocking.

Earlier in the year, we faced difficulties in some homes with the new CQC inspection methods but changes in management and your focus on delivering robust KLOE audits has seen us improve in this area with more recent inspections delivering Good ratings overall.

Looking ahead, we start 2016 on a firm base with occupancy in most homes above 95% and our focus here is to grow the weekly fees to be fairer and more reflective of peoples needs, and target more private funders to help offset the increase in the living wage in April which will have impact on our performance.

Staffing must be high on our priority list and we must aim to totally eradicate agency usage next year as no doubt this has negative impact on our care. Above all, quality care delivery remains paramount and we should aim for every home this coming year to achieve a good rating with CQC and grade 5`s in Scotland, as local reputation and community involvement is so key to your home.

I wish you all a very happy festive season and thank you for your hard work and commitment to making your residents lives better.