A CITY care provider has been rated outstanding in its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Crossroads, based in Lowerwick, Worcester was described in the report as having imbued a positive and empowering culture within the service.

Chief Executive Roger Garland said: "Crossroads Caring for Carers is Worcestershire's leading charity offering practical support for family-based carers and people with care needs.

Although almost 10,000 homecare agencies are registered with CQC in England, very few have been rated as outstanding, so we are chuffed with the report."

The report said: "Staff were clearly committed and compassionate, striving to provide outstanding care, with excellent outcomes at all times.

"People were treated with exceptional kindness, dignity and respect and received their care and support from a highly motivated and dedicated staff team.

"Staff worked well together for the benefit of people and were completely focused on meeting people’s individual personal, health and social care needs.

"People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests."

Helen Simmons, Registered Care Manager said “Everyone involved with “Team Crossroads” are delighted and feel extremely proud of our achievement."

A family that uses Crossroads said: “Our faith in the care system had been damaged by previous care that we had but the difference with Crossroads is like night and day. The team's care and support has given me precious hours to get out and do something normal, in the normal world, to become a human again and enjoy that 'me' time.”