Palmarium, a National Care Group residential service in Wiltshire, has achieved a significant inspection milestone in under two years.
Designed to support adults with learning disabilities and additional needs, Palmarium was developed in a partnership between leading adult social care provider National Care Group and Wiltshire County Council to address the need for more localised options and prevent the need for people with very complex support needs to be placed far from home.
The specialist residential service includes seven self-contained flats, providing an environment capable of meeting a variety of needs, ensuring choice and control with the least restrictive approach, and supporting people to achieve their full potential.
Following an inspection in April 2024, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Palmarium ‘Good’ across all key criteria, including safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership.
The CQC’s report, published in September, highlights the service’s commitment to high support standards and positive outcomes for the adults living there.
The regulator’s inspection focused on the right support, right care, and right culture and found that governance systems were effective.
What relatives and colleagues said
One relative quoted in the report said “Staff are nice and caring, I can go anytime, unannounced.”
Relatives also said that staff had a good knowledge and were well trained.
Relatives were quoted to have said they knew who the management team, were and felt able to approach them most of the time or make a complaint if necessary.
One relative said, “The management are lovely and nice to talk to.”
The Palmarium team told inspectors they felt listened to and this involvement supported good outcomes for people supported.
All team members who spoke with inspectors said they enjoyed their work and were happy at the service. One commented: “This is a special place to work.”
“I am hugely proud of the team here at Palmarium. They have worked relentlessly to drive continual improvement, and to challenge themselves to learn and deliver the very best in person centered support for people with extremely complex additional needs.
"They evidence every day the core National Care Group values of passion, empowerment, respect and collaboration, and this is reflected throughout this excellent report."
All health services in England are provided one of four ratings by the CQC: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. The latest rating confirms the service’s upward trajectory.
“This inspection result reaffirms the value of our investment in Palmarium, a key addition to our regional portfolio and our commitment to empowering individuals with greater choice and control.
"The service plays a pivotal role in the National Care Group progression model, building on our past achievements within the county.
Peter and the Palmarium team, working collaboratively with National Care Group support functions and local partners, have successfully brought to life the importance of providing tailored accommodation and support to every stage of a person's life."
The full report is available to read on the CQC website.
