The Ferns

Osborne Gardens, North Shields NE29 9AT
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9.6 43 Reviews
  • The Ferns, North Shields
The Ferns is a 46 bedded care home in North Shields providing residential and dementia care, Palliative care and Respite care to people over the age of 65.

All bedrooms have en-suites that are designed to give residents privacy and to promote independence.

Residents benefit from good transport links which make visiting easier as well as being close to local amenities.

The home features three tastefully decorated lounges, including an activities room which is equipped with interactive games table. Interactive tablet with games, quizzes and bingo games fully loaded.

The Ferns recognise the importance of recreational activities, and have two dedicated activities coordinators, who plans each day based on the lifestyle preferences and abilities of the residents, and so there is a full programme of events available, both in and out of the home.

When the weather allows, residents can enjoy the sun in the beautifully landscaped garden and patio / decking area with nice seating area to enjoy the peace and quiet and to soak up the sun.

The home has its own mini bus and arranges regular trips out into the community to enjoy ice cream by the seaside, fish & chips or for some retail therapy.

The Ferns staff are always on-hand to answer any questions about the important next stage in yours or your loved one's life, and to guide you through the process, every step of the way.

All food is freshly cooked in the on-site kitchen by qualified staff.
The Ferns prides itself on traditional home cooked food.

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Care Provided by The Ferns

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 48 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Dale Summersby (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • NHS/LA/Private
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (48)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2000
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for The Ferns

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,095 – £1,095
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,117 – £1,117
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,095 – £1,095
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,117 – £1,117

  • These fees do not include hairdressing or chiropody.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Ferns to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • You are welcome to visit at anytime. They do have protected meal times and would appreciate it if you did not visit during these times unless you are dining with, or supporting your family member/friend during the dining service.


  • Parking

  • The home has parking available on site.


The Ferns Reviews (43)

Total of 43, showing 1-20
9.6

The Ferns has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.591) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Ferns has 43 reviews.

Overall Experience

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  • 17
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  • 4

Date Published

43
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Review from Brian B (Resident) published on 27 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have nothing but praise for all the staff. The care and time they gave to me was fantastic. Being helped with showers, laundry etc. was as good as I imagine you can get anywhere. I have not picked out any member of staff for they are all the best.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Hi Brian, I'm so happy that you receive kind care, that makes you feel comfortable and content. I'll be sure to pass on your thoughts to all the team. Thanks.


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Review from Brian M (Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This facility helped me get the confidence and strength to work after my hip replacement and now I'm off home.
Thank you so much.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Hi Brian, I'm so glad you had a positive experience whilst staying with us. I will pass on your kind words to the team. Thanks Dale


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Review from Nicola M (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum though reluctant at first leaving hospital and go into The Ferns before transferring home found the whole experience reassuring with the staff fully supporting both her physical and psychological needs, and explaining procedures. The staff were interactive and kind throughout her stay. Meeting other
residents in the communal room was worthwhile.
Sharing experience. My Mum cannot fault the support network from start to finish. The food was varied and wholesome and with Mum being a fussy eater the chef did exceptionally well. Thank you!

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Hi Nicola, I'm so glad to hear that your Mum had a positive experience with us. I will pass this on to the team who were more than happy to help your Mum on her recovery journey.


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Review from Ruth K (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Ferns really helped my mother to continue her recovery after being in hospital. She was well fed and the activities team worked hard to keep the residents fit and stimulated. There are some very devoted staff in this home who do their best in sometimes difficult circumstances. Thank you everyone.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for those kind words. I'm glad that your mum had a positive experience with us and that we were able to be part of her journey of recovery. I will be certain to pass this on to the team.


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Review from M C (Wife of Resident) published on 28 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When first entering The Ferns, I thought it had a lovely feeling, warm and caring. The staff and everyone who does the looking after, everyone could not be nicer. I could not have a bad word to say about them. They go up and over to please.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thanks for your kind comments, I'll be sure to pass them on to the team.


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Review from Margaret B (Resident) published on 11 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This was my second stay in the intermediate care unit. My first stay earlier this year showed me how caring the staff were. My second stay of about a month showed no evidence that standards had slipped in any way. I was met with the same care, support and dignity from all the staff of the unit.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

That is fantastic to hear. I'll make sure I pass these comments on to the team.


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Review from Alison M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Ferns have been absolutely incredible while my mother has been under their care. Every member of staff has been amazing. Nothing is too much trouble, even when I have stopped and asked lots of questions. It has a very friendly atmosphere from the minute you walk through the door. Thank you to everybody
from the bottom of our hearts. It has been great peace of mind knowing that she has been here.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Hi Alison, thank you so much for your kind words. I will be sure to pass them on to the team.


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Review from J G (Friend of Resident) published on 25 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have had a friend in The Fern for nearly 2 years now and I visit 3 times a week and take her out in the wheelchair once a fortnight. I have always found the staff very helpful and pleasant. They keep the residents entertained as much as possible. They are all very hardworking. I always feel they do
the best they can considering resources. It must be hard for them sometimes, there is only 2 staff on the shift. Overall I don't find much to complain about, they hold parties etc for residents, I would say they really care about them.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for your kind comments that I will pass on to the team.


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Review from Karen H (Sister of Resident) published on 5 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Hello Manager and her team. My sister stayed with you for 2 weeks after her hip replacement. You and your staff were absolutely brilliant. The service and care was top-notch. Nothing was too much trouble. All very friendly like home from home. I would like to thank you all for your dedication and care
of my sister.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Hi Karen, thank you so much for the kind words. I will be sure to pass them on to the team. Thanks, Registered Manager.


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Review from Sheila G (Respite Resident) published on 15 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I stayed in the rehab unit at The Ferns for 3 weeks 05/04/24-26/04/24. Overall I was very happy with my care and treatment. My meds were promptly delivered and I mostly had my meals in my room. After a difficult experience in another setting the contrast in care and attention I greatly appreciated.
Thank you to all the carers. Physio with great patience, got me to use the stairs again. Although still experiencing back pain I am hopeful this condition will improve.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Hi Sheila, thank you for your kind comments, which I will pass on to the team. I'm so glad that you had a positive experience.


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Review from Sheila P (Respite Resident) published on 8 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I arrived at The Ferns Care Home from hospital on the evening of 18th February 2024 and was greeted by various members of staff in my very comfortable room. They gave me a short but enlightening talk of what had been arranged for me, e.g. lactose malt-free dairy products, the various facilities and
aids that would help me and the opportunity to ask questions. It was all very friendly and put me at ease knowing I was in safe hands. Every day of my stay was an absolute pleasure and gave me confidence in building up my mobility to return home and on the way to full recovery. Many thanks to all the staff.

Reply from Dale Summersby, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for your kind comments that I will pass on to the team. I'm happy that your stay with us was a very positive experience and helped you get back home.


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Review from J R (Resident) published on 30 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very good and will do anything for you.

Reply from Kevin Bailey, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for your kind comments. I will pass these on to the team.


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Review from Colin F (Son of Resident) published on 12 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Been coming in for last 3 weeks, staff are very friendly and helpful.
Mam has been treated very well.

Reply from Nichola Williams, Regional Support Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Ferns, your feedback will be shared with the team.


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Review from Hugh M (Resident) published on 12 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy with staff.

Reply from Nichola Williams, Regional Operations Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Ferns, your feedback will be shared with the team.


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Review from L H (Resident) published on 12 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Whilst a high standard of professionalism is maintained by all staff they do show carig and understanding of patient's needs. Care delivered with a smile and kind words go a long way.
However, the layout of the bedrooms needs a rethink by management actually using them.

Reply from Nichola Williams, Regional Operations Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Ferns, your feedback will be discussed with the team.


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Review from Alan B (Son of Resident) published on 15 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

If I could give less than one star I would. I have had to refrain from adding any review due to an ongoing professionals meeting. Council and CQC are involved. Only now that the professionals meetings have ended, can I comment.
The home was unclean and my dad was not looked after properly and basically
when he became end of life, the hospital is when he started to receive the duty of care he was entitled to. There is an ongoing investigation with the CQC.
Some of the staff are lovely to speak to but the home is in need of improvement. Facilities are very poor and staff need training. Recording on care notes is an issue too. Some meals were left for hours and others were provided without removing old food.
Basically, in my eyes, they failed in their duty of care. Not something I can ever forgive them for.

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Review from Steven R (Son of Resident) published on 13 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We found the staff to be friendly, when we are there. Very attentive and always obliging. One concern is that there is not a lot of secure, outdoor space for us to sit with our family member so they get to enjoy their surroundings and get fresh air.

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Review from Michelle S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My mam was here for respite. She had a fall out of the chair and bed, not the correct bed. The day after her fall I went to see her, no call bell, it was at the other end of the room along with a jug of water. She couldn’t walk so couldn’t get a drink. We had to phone the care home a few times due to
Mam not having a call bell in reach.

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Review from Angela C (Niece of Resident) published on 26 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

The staff are all nice but lack training. Visited today and yesterday's sandwiches were still on the table with a cold cup of tea. Carer came around and gave a cup of tea without giving any choice of what to drink and didn't remove old dishes. Very dirty bone dry jug on the table with no drinking cup,
crumbs on the floor, dirty tissues, and empty bottles under the bed. No soap to wash hands and an overflowing bin in the bathroom. Aunt dressed in clothes covered in food stains. Lots of maintenance issues and at eleven in the morning no sign of any cleaning staff, the foyer needed vacuuming, and corridors had not been swept let alone mopped. The home has changed management a few times but no visible improvement. I felt dirty when I left. To think my aunt pays to live in this place, no wonder she was depressed, she says she's bored. No activities for residents. I agree it's like a prison in desperate need of decoration.

Reply from Nichola Williams, Regional Operations Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Ferns. I am sorry to hear that your experience has not been positive and would be happy to discuss this further with you.


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Review from David W (Nephew of Resident) published on 30 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are excellent, supportive and caring. The food appears to be to my aunt's liking and is sufficient. The rooms are kept clean and tidy and have enough equipment for her needs.

Reply from George Ward, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for your review, David. I will communicate your feedback to our staff team. Many Thanks, George Ward, Home Manager.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.591)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.591) out of 10 for The Ferns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.591 for The Ferns is calculated as follows: ( (111 Excellents x 5) + (50 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 171 Ratings = 4.591

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Ferns is based on 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6, which has been reached with 15 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 22 Jul 2023

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Dale

Dale Summersby

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2023

Although I have only been the manager of The Ferns since September 2023, I have been a home manager for over 10 years.


I qualified as a registered nurse in mental health back in 2002 and worked in a variety of settings, before finding myself working in elderly care in 2013.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Ferns

What types of Care is The Ferns registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Ferns provide?

Palliative Care, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Ferns have?

There are 48 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Ferns?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Ferns to the centre of North Shields?

0.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.