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 61-80
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
38
49
38

Review from R M (Resident) published on 24 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent, all round services.

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Review from Paul H (Next of Kin) published on 18 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad went into Ventress Hall as a permanent resident in early February. The staff at Ventress were amazing, making Dad feel at home, they were friendly and happy and treated him with great respect. He really appreciated the help and care he received. Unfortunately his health took a turn for the worst
and he was transferred to the nursing care floor where he received fantastic nursing care until he passed away. Thanks to all the staff at Ventress for the help and support to both Dad and the family during this time.

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Review from Dave H (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 20 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father-in-law entered Ventress Hall, Darlington for end of life care, end of October - 5th November 2019. I cannot find fault with the nursing care nor the staff. They were excellent, both caring towards my father in law and his family and friends when they came to visit. Hot drinks and meals were
constantly offered and over the time we were all there we were made to feel exceptionally welcome. The level of response to either him asking for attention or 'our' concerns were always answered in a timely manner with all queries answered. This did not change throughout the day or night shift. Cannot recommend enough.

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Review from Julia H (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Dad was only at Ventress for a little over a week before he died. We were overwhelmed by how caring and thoughtful the staff were. My Dad was receiving end of life care and was treated with respect and dignity. The staff also made sure that we as a family were looked after. I lost count of the number
of times we were asked if we wanted a drink or something to eat and we were constantly reminded that we could use the facilities. This is my first experience of the care home environment and I am humbled by how hard the staff worked and how they managed to stay so positive and cheerful doing what is a very challenging job.

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Review from M B (Resident) published on 25 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are very friendly and polite.

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Review from Stephen W (Resident) published on 11 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff and management were very professional in their work and light-hearted fun at the same time. But slightly lacking in service, i.e. sometimes no juice for breakfast and on the dining table salt and pepper pots empty.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Personal Assistant at Ventress Hall

Thanks very much for taking the time to review Ventress Hall when you stayed with us. We are delighted to read your comments about the care team and management and that you are likely to recommend the home. We provide a selection of fresh juices at every breakfast time. We apologise that the salt and pepper pots were empty. We do have a re-filling schedule but there must have been an oversight on this occasion.


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Review from C G (Son of Resident) published on 29 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Father admitted to a 'step down' nursing/rehab bed following a hospital stay of one week. A good sized corner bedroom. New high-quality hospital-style bed. Young care staff friendly, cheerful and helpful, one nursing staff member was particularly helpful and excellent communication back to me. The manager
telephoned me at home to run through my care plan.

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Review from Robert Grant W (Respite Resident) published on 8 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I stayed at Ventress Hall for a weeks recuperation after a short stay in hospital, it was more like a 5* Hotel, if needs be, I would certainly stay there again.

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Review from Maurice E (Respite Resident) published on 25 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stay was excellent. Everywhere was so clean and pleasant. I was able to go to see my lovely wife in hospital every day.

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Review from Elaine N (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our initial viewing was very positive with useful brochures and info given. Was pleased they responded to my request for a quick preassessment and subsequent quick decision that they could meet mums needs. Dealt with mums delay in entering the home due to hospital stay very sympathetically. Once admitted,
staff dealt with mums needs in a very caring manner. They have rung me quickly with any concerns over mums condition. It would be helpful to know which member of staff to approach re specific requests eg., checking mums hearing aid is in, as opposed to talking to individual carers. I was unhappy when the transport arrangement for Mam's hospital appointment failed - minibus not booked as promised and 2nd option of wheelchair taxi not turning up on time. This was stressful and staff apologised.

Reply from Amy Wilson, AD at Ventress Hall

Thank you for your recent feedback regarding Ventress Hall. We are delighted to hear that your mother’s admission into the home was dealt with sympathetically and that you find the staff to be very caring.
Thank you also for your feedback regarding the transport arrangements for your mother’s hospital appointment.
On the day in question, regrettably our own minibus service was not available and the staff organised alternative transport immediately via our local taxi service. This was booked for the correct time but sadly due to problems from their end within Darlington, it was running late. Under the circumstances, we are very grateful that family were able to step in to transport your mother for her appointment, using their own transport, which is only 5 minutes away from the care home. We apologised profusely at the time and again, are sorry for any inconvenience and stress that this caused.
Regarding specific requests for help, whilst our staff work different shifts and may not always be available at the same time each day, we are always happy to discuss any specific requests you may have and direct you to the most appropriate person to support your mother. If you have any queries regarding who to speak with, please do not hesitate to contact the home manager, who will be happy to advise.
We are always grateful for feedback, positive or negative, in order that we can continually work to improve our service. Once again, thank you for taking the time to pass on your comments.


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Review from E D (Wife of Resident) published on 10 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pleasant, comfortable, safe, friendly, caring and professional.

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Review from Constance R (Resident) published on 26 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are wonderful, kind, helpful. Food is very good, all homemade.


Bedrooms are clean and spacious with large, bright windows.


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Review from Clare W (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 13 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since moving into Ventress Hall, I have settled in and I am enjoying my stay. I am "delirious" being here and am happy to continue my stay. My one complaint is that my water is not changed regularly.
More food please.

Reply from Amy Wilson, AD at Ventress Hall

Thank you for your positive comments about how well you have settled in and how happy you are to be at Ventress Hall, we are very grateful for your feedback. We do ensure that all residents are provided with ample fluids every day but would also be happy to change your water more often. We would be delighted to increase your portion size and are always happy to serve seconds, should you require it. We take great care in planning every day around each resident and would invite you to discuss your specific requirements with the home manager, Judy, so we can create a meal and drinks plan that will suit your individual preferences.


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Review from Adebimpe M (Resident) published on 30 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly staff and the residents are very friendly as well. The manager is a lovely lady as well and all the other members of staff.
Top notch care home in Darlington I would recommend this home to anyone.

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Review from Shirley B (Niece of Resident) published on 30 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The majority of staff are very friendly and helpful and the place is kept very clean. There's plenty of things to do if residents wants to take part. You are always made to feel welcome when you visit.

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Review from Adella M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Mam's stay in Ventress was pleasant and she was made to feel welcome.

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Review from J D (Resident) published on 11 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Age 91, 92 in a few weeks. Medical history, frequent falls, fractures, ambulance, X.ray, crack in the tailbone. Recovery prediction 6-8 weeks. The first visit to Ventress Hall, made welcome immediately, very impressed with all services. Treated with confidence, ability, courtesy. All facilities of a
pleasing standard.

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Review from Margaret H (Niece of Resident) published on 28 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My relative spent almost a month at this home on respite following a hospital admission.
I found big concerns regarding communication. Inability to speak to my relative by phone, attitude of management. Commode in the room not emptied and poor care standards (staff told my relative soiled at 2 pm and
did not take her to toilet until approximately 4.15pm).
Television not placed in room until family asked for it and then put in area of room where she could not see it.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Ventress Hall

Thank you for taking the time to review Ventress Hall. We are very sorry to hear about the issues you have raised. We are saddened that you didn’t bring your concerns to our attention on the day you visited so that we could have had the opportunity to put things right and reassure you about your relative’s care. We are aware of the difficulty we have with the telephones in the home. Because the mobile signal is patchy, having to rely on taking a relative to the office for the landline is not always easy, but we are looking into how we can improve this. We do not provide TVs although we do have a small number of TVs that have been donated to us which we provide upon request.


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Review from J R (Resident) published on 23 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly staff, very clean, good facilities. You only need to ask!

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Review from Graham J (Son of Resident) published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother hated the idea of leaving her home to be in a care home, but since she came to Ventress Hall three years ago she is very glad that she is a resident.
Special mention to the activity coordinator who initiated a creative way for my mum to keep contact with me and my sisters as we all live very
far away.

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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.