A major achievement for our team and residents at Speedwell Court
It is time to celebrate at Speedwell Court in West End, Southampton, as the home has officially been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.
This is a massive achievement for the team and a wonderful update for our residents and their families. After the inspection, the regulators found that the care provided here is excellent, marking a fantastic step up from the ‘Good’ rating the home received back in 2021.
The report was glowing about how responsive the staff are and how well the home is run. Under the leadership of manager Rhona Bray, the team has built a culture where the residents always come first. The CQC concluded that the leadership and the culture they created “drove and improved high-quality, person-centred care” for everyone living at Speedwell Court.

What our families think
Families told the inspectors that their voices are always heard. One resident’s family member shared, “If I have any concerns, I speak to staff. I am always listened to. They deal with things straight away.”
Another relative remarked, “The management are all very responsive. I see someone in person, or I email and there’s always been a response. Any problems we’ve had, they’ve solved.” It is that kind of personal attention that has helped the home maintain a nearly perfect 9.9 out of 10 score on carehome.co.uk.
Celebrating 70 years of Abbeyfield
This news adds to the excitement of the Abbeyfield Living Society’s 70th anniversary year. Since Richard Carr-Gomm OBE started the charity seven decades ago, the focus has always been on providing great housing and care for older people. Rhona and her team deserve full credit for the improvements made to the service, and this rating is a highlight of our anniversary celebrations as they continue nationwide.
As we look ahead to more special events and community gatherings throughout the year, we are proud to have Speedwell Court leading the way. We want to say a huge thank you to our incredible staff for their hard work and to our residents and their families for making the home such a special place to be.


Speedwell Court is an ‘Outstanding’ rated care home in West End, Southampton, designed to offer a calm and sociable lifestyle. The home is organised into five small, friendly households where residents can enjoy private en-suite rooms alongside shared sun terraces and spa bathrooms. From its on-site café and vegetable gardens to its specialised dementia support and respite stays, the home focuses on individual wellbeing and staying connected to the local community.
Read more news and stories from Abbeyfield

08/10/2026
From Fenland roots to the North York Moors
Discover how Stuart built a home at Esk Moors Lodge in Castleton and uses his experience to advocate for others on the Abbeyfield Resident Panel.
Read More
08/10/2026
Dodd Group volunteers transform Abbeyfield gardens
Dodd Group volunteers have helped create brighter, more welcoming gardens for our residents as we celebrate 70 years of Abbeyfield.
Read More
29/09/2026
How June made Abbeyfield House her home
Read how former sports therapist June found the ideal balance of quiet independent living and active community life at Abbeyfield House.
Read More