Rapid response and reablement services in Torbay rated ‘Good’ across all areas

Published: 11 June 2026

Rapid response and reablement services based at St Edmunds Community Health Centre have been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a recent inspection.

The rating was ‘Good’ across all five areas assessed by the CQC, recognising the quality of care provided to people being supported at home or helped to recover their independence following illness or a stay in hospital.

These services play a vital role locally. The rapid response team provides short-term support to help people remain safely at home, while reablement teams work alongside people to build their strength and confidence and regain independence in day-to-day life.

The report highlighted that people felt safe and were well supported, with staff who understood their needs and responded quickly when changes in their health were identified. It also recognised the experience and skills of the teams, and the way they work with others involved in people’s care to achieve the best possible outcomes.

People receiving care spoke positively about their experience, describing the team as “very professional” and saying “anything they can possibly do to help is done”.

Samuel Wadham‑Sharpe, Interim Chief Operating Officer, said: “Services like rapid response and reablement are an integral part of how we support people to stay independent and recover at home. They step in at the right moment – whether that’s helping someone remain at home or supporting them to return home safely after a stay in hospital.

“This is a highly skilled service, delivered by teams who work closely with people and their families to help them regain confidence and independence at what can often be a difficult time. The care they provide every day, and the way they come together as a team, makes a real difference.”

Zoe Hickling, Deputy Community Service Manager for Hospital Discharge and Short Term Services, said: “We’re really pleased to see the care our teams provide recognised in this way. Our focus is always on what matters to people – helping them do the things that are important in their day-to-day lives.

Our services are all about working alongside people to build their strength, confidence and independence, so they can stay at home or return home safely and stay well for longer. It’s a real team effort, with colleagues from different backgrounds working together around each person – and that’s what makes it work so well.”

While the report identified some areas where further improvement is needed, there were no significant concerns raised and the service will continue to build on this through its ongoing improvement work.

St Edmunds Community Health Centre in Torquay is a community-based site bringing together a wide range of NHS and partner services to support people closer to home. Teams based at St Edmunds include: Emergency Duty Services (EDS), Healthy Lifestyles Team, Personalised Care Team (HOPE), Carers Aid (voluntary sector), Out of hours community nurses, 0–19 Service, including school nurses, health visitors and Action for Children, Specialist nursing services, including Parkinson’s, epilepsy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Podiatry, Children’s Learning Disability Team, Discharge Hub (staffed by NHS and Devon County Council professionals), Reablement Team, Rapid Response Team, Under 65 Mental Health Team.