The Ferns

Osborne Gardens, North Shields NE29 9AT
Review Us
9.6 45 Reviews
  • The Ferns, North Shields
The Ferns is a 46 bedded care home in North Shields providing residential and dementia care, Palliative care and Respite care to people over the age of 65.

All bedrooms have en-suites that are designed to give residents privacy and to promote independence.

Residents benefit from good transport links which make visiting easier as well as being close to local amenities.

The home features three tastefully decorated lounges, including an activities room which is equipped with interactive games table. Interactive tablet with games, quizzes and bingo games fully loaded.

The Ferns recognise the importance of recreational activities, and have two dedicated activities coordinators, who plans each day based on the lifestyle preferences and abilities of the residents, and so there is a full programme of events available, both in and out of the home.

When the weather allows, residents can enjoy the sun in the beautifully landscaped garden and patio / decking area with nice seating area to enjoy the peace and quiet and to soak up the sun.

The home has its own mini bus and arranges regular trips out into the community to enjoy ice cream by the seaside, fish & chips or for some retail therapy.

The Ferns staff are always on-hand to answer any questions about the important next stage in yours or your loved one's life, and to guide you through the process, every step of the way.

All food is freshly cooked in the on-site kitchen by qualified staff.
The Ferns prides itself on traditional home cooked food.
Show The Ferns on the Map

Care Provided by The Ferns

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 48 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1095 – £1095
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1117 – £1117
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1095 – £1095
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1117 – £1117

These fees do not include hairdressing or chiropody.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Ferns to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Dale Summersby (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • NHS/LA/Private
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2000
  • Last Refurbishment: 2022
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (48)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Visiting

  • You are welcome to visit at anytime. They do have protected meal times and would appreciate it if you did not visit during these times unless you are dining with, or supporting your family member/friend during the dining service.

Parking

  • The home has parking available on site.

The Ferns Reviews (45)

9.6

The Ferns has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.617) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Ferns has 45 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 22
  • 17
  • 1
  • 1
  • 4
Date Published
  • 45
  • 2
  • 7
  • 14
  • 31
Reviewer Connection to The Ferns
  • 12
  • 9
  • 6
  • 6
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 45, showing 21-40
Review from Angela C (Niece of Resident) published on 26 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
The staff are all nice but lack training. Visited today and yesterday's sandwiches were still on the table with a cold cup of tea. Carer came around and gave a cup of tea without giving any choice of what to drink and didn't remove old dishes. Very dirty bone dry jug on the table with no drinking cup,
crumbs on the floor, dirty tissues, and empty bottles under the bed. No soap to wash hands and an overflowing bin in the bathroom. Aunt dressed in clothes covered in food stains. Lots of maintenance issues and at eleven in the morning no sign of any cleaning staff, the foyer needed vacuuming, and corridors had not been swept let alone mopped. The home has changed management a few times but no visible improvement. I felt dirty when I left. To think my aunt pays to live in this place, no wonder she was depressed, she says she's bored. No activities for residents. I agree it's like a prison in desperate need of decoration.
Reply from Nichola Williams, Regional Operations Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Ferns. I am sorry to hear that your experience has not been positive and would be happy to discuss this further with you.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from David W (Nephew of Resident) published on 30 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are excellent, supportive and caring. The food appears to be to my aunt's liking and is sufficient. The rooms are kept clean and tidy and have enough equipment for her needs.
Reply from George Ward, Registered Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for your review, David. I will communicate your feedback to our staff team. Many Thanks, George Ward, Home Manager.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Mike D (Son of Resident) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are very good and caring but operating under very great pressure. The food was very basic and the decoration and facilities are in urgent need of updating. Mam has moved rooms three times because of a faulty door lock.
Reply from Nichola Williams, Regional Operations Manager at The Ferns

Thank you for your feedback, refurbishment is underway in the home. A new chef has also been recently recruited so hopefully, you should see a difference.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P W (Friend of Resident) published on 27 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Don’t be fooled by the photos on their website, we can only describe her room as a cell. No television working, curtains left unopened with one miserable ceiling light, her bed was a disgrace. After we complained they put on a slightly better duvet cover!!
She was dressed in a Christmas jumper and
trousers which were not hers. We had taken in a suitcase full of lovely clothes, where were they? No nightdresses and the clothes that I removed from the wardrobe had been purchased I was informed from the local charity shop. Why, when she had lovely clothes taken in for her. We have now transferred her to another home and she has arrived with very little in her suitcase. When I asked on numerous occasions about her clothes I was told I could go and look in the laundry to find them. This was a lady of 99 years of age, where was her dignity. She was sent here by the hospital, I think places should be inspected on a regular basis. I will take this further.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Brenda W (Sister of Resident) published on 19 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My sister entered this home from the hospital on a ‘step down’ basis. None of her family was allowed to check it prior to her discharge from the hospital, nor were we allowed to visit for fourteen days afterward. On being allowed in I was utterly appalled at the conditions. The foyer was cluttered and
a small pedal bin, lid up, was overflowing with used masks, etc., and when I entered the home proper the smell of urine was overpowering. No one asked to see my lateral flow test, I had to offer it. My sister was alone in a cheerless lounge, television on, no remote. It appeared that she still had not mingled with other residents. Information from another family member revealed that she had spent the fourteen-day isolation period in her room with no television or radio. Disgraceful. I told the manager of my concerns and he informed me that her room was being ‘spring-cleaned’ (after fifteen days!) and that he was implementing improvements, i.e. he had had the grass cut! The council and CQC have been informed.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from John E (Husband of Resident) published on 20 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly, cheerful and helpful.
Reply from Melanie Auckland, Chief Executive Officer at The Ferns

Thank you for your positive review, we will share this with the team.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Elaine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely care home. Can't praise The Ferns enough. The staff are very friendly and informative keeping my sister and I fully updated, regarding any questions or issues we may have concerning our dad. Very happy with care and attention my dad is receiving from all the staff.
Reply from Melanie Auckland, Chief Executive Officer at The Ferns

Thank you for your lovely review of The Ferns. We are pleased that you are happy with your dad's care and that the staff keep you updated with his care needs.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K R (Son of Resident) published on 25 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff I have met have been lovely and helpful in the care home. Always full of joy and consideration for the family and utmost for the residents. Well done to you all, keep it up. Missed out food, drink and activities due to Covid just in one room. All the staff need a big pat on the back.
Reply from Melanie Auckland, Chief Executive Officer at The Ferns

Thank you for your positive review; we will share your lovely comments with the staff team.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from C S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A lateral flow test given on arrival, the staff informed me of the procedure, and the test was done quickly. I was asked to wait in the waiting area until these were ready, then given PPE to put on for my visits. All was done in a very efficient manner, and I was treated with the utmost respect. Staff
are excellent and are obviously super caregivers. My grateful thanks to them all.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The home is adequate in the majority of aspects but could benefit from activities for the residents to be involved in on a daily basis e.g. bingo, quizzes, films, recreations. The staff is always pleasant and approachable.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A M (Wife of Resident) published on 17 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been in a care home for three years, she broke her hip in December 2017. After seven weeks she moved out into nursing care, the home she was in was unable to take her back. After looking at three homes we chose Willow Court. We were amazed at the welcome we received from all the staff and
up to now, we have noticed a big change to my wife.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you for your feedback about your experience of our home. We are happy to learn it has been a positive one. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing. Have a wonderful day and we look forward to seeing you again.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A R (Son of Resident) published on 5 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The care and support Dad has had in Willow Court has been first class. The staff can't do enough for Dad. They've ensured his medication is relevant and if medication needs reviewing they've arranged doctors appointments to ensure changes are made.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you we always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience at Willow Court Care Home was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A M (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I would describe Willow Court overall as a good care home. The staff are very competent and caring - a number of them have been there several years and are therefore very knowledgeable about the residents and their specific needs. The home is kept clean with domestics on duty throughout the day - the
decor is pleasant. Food is of a very good quality, with a choice. Activities do let the home down as there are none, but hopefully, this will be addressed soon.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to hear that your experience of Willow Court Care Home has been so positive. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing and we take on board all of your comments. Please reach out to us on your next visit where we would be happy to talk you through our activities programme including future events planned. Have a great day.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Norma C (Wife of Resident) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's a very friendly place. The staff are so helpful and caring. Nothing is a trouble to them. Having an entertainments manager is excellent.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you, Norma, we always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience at Willow Court Care Home was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Pauline H (Friend of Resident) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
The staff are warm and welcoming and appear to work hard. They have got to know my friend very well. They treat the residents with respect and dignity. If I need assistance or have a question, they try their best to help. My friend looks more cared for and is healthier since residing in this home. I
feel sometimes there is not enough staff about.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you, Pauline, for your comments about your recent experience at Willow Court Care Home. Our residents’ wellbeing is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your overall experience was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised. Thank you once again for your invaluable feedback as we always look at areas to continuously improve. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from V P (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff seem to be very caring and pleasant as it is a very hard job they have. Room kept nice and clean.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to learn that your experience at Willow Court Care Home has been so positive and appreciate your kind comments about our team. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Hilary H (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My Mams care is excellent, all the staff are warm and friendly.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you, Hilary, for sharing your experience about Willow Court Care Home. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how our team are doing and it is rewarding to learn that you have been so pleased with the quality of our care. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sylvia M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Willow Court is an excellent care home, we use it for respite for my father and they cater to his needs. My father suffers from vascular dementia so each day is different to the next, he is always well looked after here, looks presentable, is clean, well fed etc. He enjoys sitting in the garden and
even if it's snowing, the staff at Willow Court, will wrap him up and assist him in the garden so he doesn't miss his daily routine of being outside.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you, Sylvia, for your comments about your recent experience at Willow Court Care Home. Our residents’ wellbeing is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Andrea B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff dealing with my father-in-law treated him with care and kindness in his final few days. They couldn't do enough to ensure we were cared for too during what was a difficult time.
Reply from Ronnie Cavanagh, Marketing at The Ferns

Thank you, Andrea, for your comments about your recent experience at Willow Court Care Home. Our residents’ wellbeing is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience was so positive. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from David R (Friend of Resident) published on 28 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My friend has been a resident since June 2015 and I have no problem with his care at Willow Court or provision of food and drink. Staff and management are caring and friendly. His bedroom is kept clean and tidy.
Spillages can be a problem as cleaners are not always in evidence. Personal belongings
can go missing, other residents can enter personal rooms.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.617)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.617) out of 10 for The Ferns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.617 for The Ferns is calculated as follows: ( (108 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 162 Ratings = 4.617
  2. 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 The Ferns is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 22 Jul 2023

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Dale

Dale Summersby

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2023

Although I have only been the manager of The Ferns since September 2023, I have been a home manager for over 10 years.


I qualified as a registered nurse in mental health back in 2002 and worked in a variety of settings, before finding myself working in elderly care in 2013.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Ferns to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Ferns has an Enhanced Service - more info.