Estyn report praises Cefndy Healthcare

Cefndy Healthcare, Denbighshire County Council’s Rhyl based factory providing employment and training to disabled people, won praise from Estyn inspectors for providing a caring ethos and satisfactory value for money following a recent inspection.

Cefndy Healthcare based on Cefndy Road, Rhyl, was praised for the quality of training as well as the breadth and scope of opportunities for staff to develop job skills and to maintain progressive employment.

The report stated that as well as a caring ethos for staff, there is equal focus on the sustainability of the business so ensuring opportunities for many, and the individuals who work in various engineering, assembly, despatch or warehouse roles.

The report states: “The factory has made significant progress since the last inspection and the work of the General Manager, Deborah Holmes-Langstone and her team of Senior Managers and staff is recognised.”

Credit was also given to the participation and management guidance given by the Non-Executive Stakeholders Board, chaired by Lead Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, Cllr Pauline Dobb and attended by Denbighshire Members, the Head of Adult Services, Neil Ayling, the Management Team of Cefndy Healthcare and business experts.

Inspectors praised the good links made with support agencies, such as Occupational Health staff who now visit the factory regularly. Since the new Management Team has been in post, sickness absence has been reduced to levels comparable with mainstream industry. A weekly welfare clinic offered by Michelle Moores, Workstep/HR Administrator, enables employees to gain help and advice on issues that are worrying them.

General Manager, Deborah said: “We found the Inspectors comments to be useful, making recommendations that we’ll certainly take forward. They were also fair, in that they gave independent recognition and approval to what we’ve managed to achieve in the last 15 months. I am so very proud of all the staff who participated so well and readily shared their enjoyment of working at Cefndy with Inspectors.”