'Outstanding' Margaret Thatcher Infirmary where staff have 'rapport' with Chelsea Pensioners

Chelsea’s Margaret Thatcher Infirmary has been rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and praised by inspectors for the “rapport” staff share with the Chelsea Pensioners residing there.

Throughout the inspection CQC inspectors witnessed many examples of camaraderie between staff and pensioners in a very relaxed environment. One person said: "We have a laugh and a joke with each other. If you can't get a laugh out of life, what's the point?'

The Infirmary can accommodate up to 68 pensioners who require nursing or personal care within the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of Chelsea Pensioners. At the time of the inspection there were 58 people living in the infirmary.

‘Good to see people that have served their country get outstanding care'

The ‘caring and compassionate’ nature of the staff was singled out in the report, with one relative saying: "The staff are wonderful and go over and above what I would have expected. They have built up a wonderful rapport with all the pensioners."

It was also acknowledged the provider gave outstanding care at the end of people's lives. The lives of Chelsea Pensioners were celebrated after they had passed away and their military achievements were honoured.

Alison Murray, head of adult social care inspection in London said: “I am very impressed with the standard of care at Margaret Thatcher Infirmary. People we spoke to were full of praise for the staff and management at the infirmary.

“It is good to see those that have served their country getting such outstanding care. I was particularly impressed to hear that there were many daily activities including pottery and art classes, Tai Chi sessions and a range of exercise groups, music and reminiscence sessions, film screenings and pet therapy sessions.”

The infirmary also produces a magazine, which includes a range of articles and information for everybody at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

'Captains of invalids‘ create 'a great amount of trust’

The setting was rated outstanding for being effective, caring, responsive and well-led after an inspection in June 2019. A previous inspection in September 2016 was given an overall ‘Good’.

Inspectors also singled out how people took pride in representing the Chelsea Pensioners.

It is the responsibility of four ‘Captains of Invalids’ to oversee the welfare of 75 people each and the report stated that these ‘Captains’ ensured pensioners enjoyed a holistic sense of wellbeing.

One Captain said: “We are here to listen to them, and they can relate to us because of our military experience. It helps create a great amount of trust.”

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