I WOULD like through your pages to comment on the article regarding Sidney Gale care home and the Care Quality Commission report. We as a family were unexpectedly faced earlier in the year with coming to terms that our mother needing full-time residential care and the difficult task of finding a suitable placement that we all felt happy with. From the moment we entered Sidney Gale we were warmly welcomed and felt at home. Although a little dated it was apparent the care provided more than made up for the buildings shortcomings. Our mother found it very comforting to be able to receive the care required where she has lived in for 65 years. 

We have been supported by staff at the home from pre-admission, through three emergency periods of care to the present day. We have been kept fully informed throughout and there is always a member of staff available to discuss any aspect of our mother’s care and welfare. At no time have we felt our mother was at risk.

We found the staff take the time to get to know and understand the needs of their residents. Providing reassurance and interaction to make each of them feel safe and special. They carry out their roles with the utmost care, compassion, respect and dignity which is mirrored at all levels from the domestic staff to the management team.

I hope the public will respect the report in the main identifies the failings were at a higher level. 

The new manager has kept us informed of the report’s findings including measures proposed and implemented to rectify these shortcomings. 

Similarly the staff, many of whom are Bridport residents, have found the report very upsetting as they take pride in the standard of care they give. 

The home provides a wonderful service for our community which does not always get recognised. 

So come on Bridport in future show them your support, you might need them one day. 

The Barnes Family