NTW Solutions maintains a large estate on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust which provides services across the north east and north Cumbria. Our teams have received another strong set of results in the latest Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE), with performance remaining above the national average across all assessed domains. 

PLACE looks at how environments feel for patients, service users and visitors. The most recent results show that NTW Solutions performed strongly across every key area, including cleanliness, food, privacy and dignity, condition, appearance and maintenance, as well as dementia and disability environments.  

Key highlights from the 2025 assessment include: 

• Above national average scores across all PLACE domains 
• Strong performance in cleanliness, reflecting high day-to-day standards across sites 
• Positive results for privacy, dignity and wellbeing, showing environments support respectful care 
• Consistent scores for condition, appearance and maintenance, demonstrating the quality and upkeep of buildings 
• Good performance in dementia and disability environments, supporting accessibility and inclusive design 

The results confirm that standards have been maintained across the estate, while also showing measurable improvement in a number of areas compared to 2024. This means teams are not only sustaining high-quality environments but continuing to build on them year on year. 

A clear strength in this year’s report is the consistency of performance across sites. Feedback highlights that environments are clean, safe and respectful, reflecting the day-to-day work of Estates, Facilities and clinical teams working closely together. 

The report also highlights the strength of the assessment process itself. Each inspection includes patient representatives, making up at least half of the assessment team, alongside staff colleagues. This ensures results are grounded in real experience and focused on what matters most to people using services. 

Where any variation or lower scores have been identified, these are already being addressed through local action plans. These are agreed at ward and service level, with clear ownership and support from facilities, estates and clinical teams.

These results reflect the continued focus on providing high quality care environments across NTW Solutions. From maintaining high standards of cleanliness to supporting privacy, dignity and accessibility, colleagues across the company play a vital role in supporting better care for patients and service users every day.