Ventress Hall

22/28 Trinity Road, Darlington DL3 7AZ
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9.5 87 Reviews
  • Ventress Hall, Darlington
The team at Ventress Hall offers nursing, residential and dementia care, as well as respite care, designed to ensure that life is engaging and fulfilling for residents.

Each bedrooms at Ventress Hall is unique; from high ceilings to direct access to the home's courtyards, each offers a point of interest for residents to enjoy. Bedrooms also feature a 24-hour nurse call system, and most have en-suite facilities. For couples wishing to reside together, Ventress Hall also offers a small number of shared or double rooms.

The Darlington care home and gardens are fully wheelchair accessible with a plethora of spaces to relax, socialise and enjoy activities, including cosy lounges, a café, hair and beauty salon and a bright conservatory. Outside, the courtyard gardens are ideal for enjoying a cup of tea.

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Care Provided by Ventress Hall

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 106 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Diane Encinias (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (106)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (84)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2010

Funding & Fees Guide for Ventress Hall

  • 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 from £975
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,065
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,215
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,025
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,115
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,265

  • Fees are subject to a pre-admission needs assessment which is required to fully understand the level
    of care and support required by each individual. Premium rooms normally require an additional charge.
    Nursing fees include the Funded Nursing Contribution (FNC) if you are eligible.


    What’s included?
    • All care and support including a monthly review of care plans
    • All meals, snacks and drinks freshly prepared every day by our chef
    • Activities and lifestyle programme
    • All utilities and other accommodation costs
    • Housekeeping and laundry services
    • WiFi internet access


    Please note, the weekly fee does not include hairdressing, chiropody or other healthcare visits or
    appointments not covered by the NHS, toiletries, newspapers or magazines, any over the counter
    medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief, and any
    other privately arranged healthcare. Should you require an escort to hospital appointments, we may apply
    an agreed hourly charge for this service.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Ventress Hall to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Ventress Hall Reviews (87)

Total of 87, showing 41-60
9.5

Ventress Hall has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.500) out of 10, based on 49 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Ventress Hall has 87 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 59
  • 21
  • 4
  • 2
  • 1

Date Published

87
10
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49
38

Review from Julie N (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mam has been in nursing care for a month.
I'm happy with Mam's overall care.
Helpful and friendly staff.
Lovely meals, food whenever Mam's hungry.
Nothing too much trouble for the staff.
Mam's settled in well and got to know the staff.
Receptionists, cleaners, carers and nurses are great at
their jobs.

Reply from Martha Piper, Martha Piper at Ventress Hall

Hi Julie, thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ventress Hall Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks the Care UK team.


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Review from Ann S (Niece of Resident) published on 3 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My auntie is in this home although we have tried to have her moved whilst she was a ward of court. We now feel that this would be impossible as she has dementia. She is deaf and despite the fact that I have asked for a hearing review at the local hospital for her hearing aids to be replaced - this has
not happened so she continues not to have any hearing aids. They tell me she is happy there and think she is but who knows with dementia?

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on your and your aunt’s experience at Ventress Hall. Our dedicated care and lifestyle teams work hard to ensure residents living with dementia lead meaningful lifestyles and are provided with the best of care, including your aunt. Whilst we are unable to comment on your experience of the hospital hearing care centre, as this is a separate service to the home, please get in contact if there is anything else we can support you with.


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Review from Tracey B (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in Ventress Hall for almost a year now and she loves it. She moved in with her cat and they're both very happy. Mum has a room that opens onto one of the courtyards, and the staff have been working hard with the residents to build, paint, and plant up some gorgeous planters to make the
area really pretty. Mum chooses to spend time in her own room quite often, but the team work really hard to provide loads of different activities for the residents. The only negative is that as it is such a beautiful old building, the mobile signal is a bit hit-and-miss.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

We are delighted to hear that your mother is enjoying her room with her beloved pet. At Ventress Hall, we work hard to ensure residents feel settled, with all the creature comforts of home, to make their transition into the home as smooth as possible. It’s also lovely to hear that our dedicated team have worked so closely with your mother to add decoration to her beautiful courtyard patio. Whilst we aren’t able to influence the mobile reception residents or visitors may experience on their own phones, residents are always welcome, and encouraged, to use the home’s phone to contact loved ones should this issue arise.


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Review from J O (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very caring, even though more staff would be great.
The refurbishment is looking good.
I'm kept informed of how my mum is doing regularly.
Overall, I'm happy with the care Mum is getting, very aware of how frail she is now.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

We are so glad to hear that your and your mother’s experience of Ventress Hall is a positive one. The team work hard to provide the highest standards of care, and we recognise the importance of involving loved ones in these care plans through consistent communication. We are also pleased to hear that you are both enjoying the refurbished areas of the home – we endeavour to keep our facilities fresh and modern for everyone to enjoy. At Ventress Hall, our teams are well-staffed, ensuring each resident can be fully supported with tasks at all hours of the day.


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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father settled well into Ventress Hall recognising some of his own declining capabilities which had crept up alongside his very old age. Initially, he thought the residential care was like being in a hotel, but now he calls it home.
Staff in all areas have been both friendly and supportive when
responding to his various needs.

Reply from Holly Cole, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience. At Ventress Hall Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.
Thank you for your time, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks the Care UK team


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Review from B L (Husband of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 20 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Looking forward to joining in more games with the new activity team and maybe occasional outing days.

Reply from Martha Piper, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ventress Hall Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks, the Care UK team.


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Review from Anne W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent home. Would highly recommend. Nothing is too much trouble.

Reply from Martha Piper, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

Hi Anne, thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ventress Hall Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.
Many thanks, the Care UK team.


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Review from Jan L (Son of Resident) published on 8 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely room, light and airy.
Food - so, so - sometimes ok.
Nursing staff are very good. Care staff are ok but on occasions, care staff are less than satisfactory.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

We are delighted to hear that you are pleased with your loved one’s room and the experience you’ve received from our team of dedicated nurses. At Ventress Hall, each member of the team is passionate about providing quality care, including carers. Our catering team ensure a variety of meal choices are provided to ensure residents have a choice. We also work with residents to understand their needs and preferences and options are always provided to residents who don’t wish to choose from the set menu.


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Review from Carol I (Niece of Resident) published on 3 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ventress Hall is a wonderful, caring nursing home.
My uncle was admitted to the nursing home wing for palliative care on 10 March 2023. In his time in the home, his care by both registered nurses and the wider team was outstanding. I could not fault any part of his care plan. Sadly, he passed away
but the team ensured that he was pain-free and able to contact me so that I could pass on my final wishes of love.
The team were incredibly respectful and understanding of his needs.
Highly recommend this home.
Thank you all so much for his care.

Reply from Martha Piper, Reviews Team at Ventress Hall

Hi Carol, thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ventress Hall Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.
Many thanks, the Care UK team.


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Review from Margaret C (Sister of Resident) published on 1 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother's family would like to thank all who cared and provided a loving home for him throughout his stay with you. His particular carers were exceptional. It was only with their help, support and loving care that made the situation tolerable. True devotion to duty was shown and to be admired. Truly
great ambassadors for your organisation.
It must also be noted that the family were very pleased with all the staff involved with the caring of

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Review from Christine S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was cared for in the nursing part of the home for the last few weeks of her life. The care she received from the nursing staff, two in particular, was excellent. All members of staff we encountered were friendly, approachable and caring. It was a stressful time for us as a family and knowing
that our mother was being looked after so well was a great comfort and help. Thank you, to everyone at Ventress Hall.

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Review from John C (Nephew of Resident) published on 20 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle is being well looked after by the most friendly and caring staff from the reception and actual caring.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff. All very friendly. Excellent food, good facilities. Highly recommend Ventress Hall.

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Review from Caroline M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 88-year-old mother recently spent over five weeks in Ventress for rehabilitation. Throughout her time in the home, she received exceptional care from all the staff. The staff could not have done anything more for my mum, they were very attentive, kind, professional and cheerful, they used her name,
cheered her up and attended to all her needs promptly. The staff demonstrated infinite patience and went the extra mile to make mum's stay as comfortable as possible. The attention to detail was first class and the staff were dedicated to organising my mum's complex medication needs with 100% accuracy, as a sufferer of Parkinson's her medical requirements are very frequent and time important, the staff provided mum's medicines on time for all her ailments. The meals mum received were varied, good quality, and age-appropriate, mum also enjoyed the mid-afternoon snacks, all food and beverages offered were fresh and well presented. The room in Ventress was great. A huge thank you to all staff.

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Review from Andrea G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 6 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has been in Ventress Hall since December 2020 and they have absolutely gone out of their way to make her welcome, comfortable and happy despite everything that’s gone on with the pandemic. Throughout the lockdowns, we were encouraged to have pod visits and now we are able to go in to
the home we are always met with friendly staff even if they are short staffed and worn out. My mother-in-law sings their praises every day and wouldn’t have a bad word said against any of the staff. They are all amazing and I don’t think they get enough praise.

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Review from Lesley B (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My dad was admitted to the nursing floor at Ventress Hall for end of life care. His room was small with tired-looking furniture, the window only opened a few inches due to safety reasons, making the room stuffy due to direct sunlight. On Dad's first day his dressing gown went missing and was never found,
it was a new dressing gown.
My dad wasn't happy here, he suffered with end stage COPD and was told by one of the health care workers that he should put his hand over his mouth when he coughed! My dad couldn't even move out of bed due to being so ill, this comment was inappropriate.
The receptionist was inconsiderate when we visited, she said we couldn't go in as we weren't booked in, even though we didn't need to book in for visits. My only positive comment is that the nurse caring for Dad was absolutely brilliant. He took the time to explain Dad's condition and gave advice regarding this.
We moved Dad to another care home, he was absolutely delighted!

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Personal Assistant at Ventress Hall

Thank you for taking time to review Ventress Hall. We are delighted to hear such positive feedback about the nurse who cared for your dad. The issues mentioned in your review are concerning. If they could have been raised with our home manager at the time, we would have resolved them. As you can imagine, we have a very busy laundry but you would have been able to visit to locate the dressing gown, or we could have replaced it. We sincerely apologise for the way you feel you were treated. You were right that, in your circumstances, you didn’t need to book a visit. The nursing team would normally make reception aware of family visits under exceptional circumstances, as per Care UK’s approach to the pandemic.


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Review from Mary S (Respite Resident) published on 17 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very caring and very helpful. Also, the catering staff have provided excellent food and have gone out of their way to provide me with a special diet (smoothies are the best I have had or made myself). I thank them and the staff. Also, the lady who did my nails. Very personal and polite.

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Review from Patricia H (Sister of Resident) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I only have praise for the wonderful staff of the nursing floor in Ventress Hall. They looked after my brother, who was very poorly, with genuine care and compassion until he sadly passed away. He was so content whilst living there and we were so relieved to have found somewhere we knew he would be
looked after on a professional level to the highest standard and cared for with love. The home is well run and immaculate. All the staff I came into contact with were so respectful and kind. The meals are homemade and always looked nicely presented. I look back with fondness and huge appreciation and I know my brother would say the same. Heartfelt thank you.

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Review from E W (Respite Resident) published on 30 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was diffident about the care and experience I would get in going in to a care home/rehab after a hospital stay. I am very pleased with the level of care, physio, understanding of my needs, encouragement in achieving the goals to get me back to full fitness. The staff are very friendly and willing
to do anything for you.

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Review from Kay M (Sister of Resident) published on 15 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care given to my sister at the end of her life. Nursing staff are a credit to your service, along with the rest of the team the care and compassion shown to my sister and I was much appreciated by myself and my family. Thank you all so very much.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.500)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.500) out of 10 for Ventress Hall is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 49 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 46 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 4.500 for Ventress Hall is calculated as follows: ( (351 Excellents x 5) + (169 Goods x 4) + (41 Satisfactorys x 3) + (9 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 572 Ratings = 4.5

  • 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 Ventress Hall is based on 46 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 106 registered maximum number of service users is 21.2, which has been reached with 46 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: 4 Feb 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (87)

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Meet the Team (1)

Diane

Diane Encinias

Job Title: Home Manager

I joined Ventress Hall back in the 1990s, progressing from a carer to a senior and then to become the deputy manager. I became Home Manager in November 2019. 


All of my experience enables me to challenge our practices, improve what we do and strengthen our relationships with the local CCG and healthcare team – all for the benefit of our residents.


I love seeing the residents happy, and I enjoy seeing the positive impact of the work we do. We often have residents join us for short term respite care as they convalesce after an illness or operation. It’s wonderful to see them recover and return home. 


I’ve worked with many of the team here for many years. I have a profound respect for them and recognise each of their contributions. It’s safe to say that this home has a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to developing Ventress Hall even further so we can deliver even greater outcomes for residents and their families.