Merlewood
Merlewood is a nursing home in Virginia Water, Surrey (GU25 4LR). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About Merlewood
Merlewood is a nursing home in Virginia Water, Surrey. We provide nursing care for older people and we also offer respite stays, whether that is to give a family carer a break or to support somebody through a period of recovery after a spell in hospital. Having qualified nurses on site means people can remain with us as their health needs change rather than facing another move, which matters a great deal to families who have already been through one difficult transition. The clinical side is only part of it though. Most of what makes a day good or bad here has little to do with nursing. It is whether somebody was helped at their own pace, whether the food was something they genuinely wanted, whether their room feels like theirs and whether they were asked rather than told. We would rather be judged on those ordinary things. Knowing how everybody likes their breakfast, which chair is theirs, who wants company in the morning and who would far rather be left with a newspaper. We ask about these preferences, record them and expect them to be followed. Families are welcome whenever it suits them and we keep in touch honestly rather than waiting for problems. Our most recent overall rating from the Care Quality Commission is good. We take it as confirmation that the everyday things are sound and we keep examining the detail. If you are considering a nursing home in this part of Surrey for a relative, please come and see us and ask us whatever you need to know.
Care provided at Merlewood
- Older person care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 22 May 2019
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
What the inspectors found
A plain English summary of the Care Quality Commission inspection behind the current rating of Merlewood. Report published 22 May 2019.
- 7 May 2019
- 53 places, 38 people were using the service at the time
Safe
People told inspectors they felt safe living at the home. They said this was mostly because there were enough staff who checked on them. People said they received the medicines they needed and had no concerns about cleanliness.
Effective
People told inspectors they had access to healthcare professionals if they needed it. They gave positive feedback about the food. Inspectors found staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible, and the policies and systems in the service supported this.
Caring
People told inspectors that staff were kind. They said they felt involved in decisions about their own care and in making their own decisions.
Responsive
Care plans in general had detailed information, but at times there was a lack of evidence of the care provided. Management said this was because the electronic care planning system was still settling into the service. People gave mainly positive feedback about activities, particularly trips out, though some said they would like more choice.
Well-led
People said the manager led the service well. Staff said they felt supported and that the new manager had a positive impact. Inspectors found the service and care were reviewed continually, and information was analysed and discussed with staff so they could learn from it.
What people told the inspectors
People told inspectors they felt safe, felt involved in their own care, and were happy with the food. Some people said they would like more choice of activities.
Since the last inspection
Rated Good in May 2019, the same overall rating as before (Good).
Safe is still Good; Effective is still Good; Caring is still Good; Responsive is still Good; Well-led is still Good.
- 2 December 2020: Inspection looking at part of the service
- 22 May 2019: Routine inspection, rated Good. This inspection gave the current rating.
- 14 October 2016: Routine inspection, rated Good
- 14 December 2013: Routine inspection
- 12 April 2013: Routine inspection
- 6 February 2012: Routine inspection
Read the full report on the CQC website
Source: Care Quality Commission inspection report, summarised by CareAssura. Contains CQC data used under the Open Government Licence.
How Merlewood compares in Runnymede
Measured against the 15 care homes for older people registered in Runnymede. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 54 places. Smaller than 9 of the 15 homes. The local average is 60 places.
- CQC rating
- Good. 12 of the 15 homes (80%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Surrey the figure is 70%.
- Latest report
- 22 May 2019. 14 of the 15 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- January 2011. 11 of the 15 homes registered more recently.
- Care offered
- Nursing care. Of the 15 homes, 9 offer nursing care.
- Food hygiene
- 5 out of 5. The top rating, shared by 11 of the 11 homes that have one.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes for older people in Runnymede.
The local picture: Runnymede
What the numbers say about care for older people in Runnymede, in Surrey.
What care costs in Surrey, per week
| Type of care | What the council pays | What self-funders are typically asked |
|---|---|---|
| Residential care | £952 | £1,654 to £1,931 (Middle half of prices from 18 Surrey homes. Median £1,772.) |
| Nursing care | £988 | £1,920 to £2,155 (Middle half of prices from 13 Surrey homes. Median £2,025.) |
| Residential dementia care | Not published separately | £1,725 to £2,020 (Middle half of prices from 14 Surrey homes. Median £1,842.) |
| Nursing dementia care | Not published separately | £1,975 to £2,226 (South East figure, because too few Surrey homes publish this price. 37 homes. Median £2,050.) |
Published prices are often starting prices, and come from homes that publish fees, so treat them as a guide. Ask the home for its own price.
- People aged 75 and over: 8,500. Rising to 9,700 by 2035, up 14%
- People aged 85 and over: 2,500. Rising to 3,500 by 2035, up 39%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 1,100. Rising to 1,400 by 2035, up 21%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 58%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Surrey as a whole is 68%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 83. Surrey average is 90.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 0 opened, 0 closed
- Care home beds filled across Surrey: 88%. The 12 month average is 87%.
- Who pays, across Surrey (estimate): 32% council, 52% self. The rest is NHS funded or other.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Market model built 22 October 2026 (ONS 2022 based population projections, dementia estimates, CQC register), published care home prices, council planning records.
Good to know about Merlewood
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 6 January 2011, so 15 years.
- Food hygiene rating
- 5 out of 5. Very good. Last inspected by the local council on 7 August 2026.
- Run by
- Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited, which runs 8 adult social care services in England. All 8 that have a rating are rated Good or Outstanding.
Sources: CQC register, Food Standards Agency, OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances are in a straight line from the postcode, not walking or driving routes.
Local services near Merlewood
The closest places to this home, measured in a straight line from its postcode. They are the nearest, not necessarily the ones the home uses. Ask the home which GP, dentist and pharmacy its residents are registered with.
Nearest 24 hour A&E
- St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, 2.9 miles away
It is about 2.9 miles in a straight line from the postcode. The drive is usually longer. In an emergency call 999; the ambulance may take you elsewhere.
Nearest GP practices
- Virginia Water Medical Practice, 0.5 miles away
- Runnymede Medical Practice, 1.3 miles away
- Grove Medical Centre, 1.8 miles away
Nearest dentists
- Langley's Dental Centre, 0.5 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Crown House Dental Practice, 1.6 miles away (NHS.uk details)
- Mydentist, 1.7 miles away (NHS.uk details)
Nearest pharmacies
- Jays Pharmacy Virginia Water, 0.5 miles away
- Kings Pharmacy, 1.3 miles away
- Boots, 1.8 miles away
Nearest railway stations
- Virginia Water Station, 0.7 miles away
- Egham Station, 1.7 miles away
- Longcross Station, 2 miles away
Around Merlewood
- H: Merlewood
- A: 24 hour A&E
- G: GP practice
- D: Dentist
- P: Pharmacy
- S: Railway station
Straight line distances, not routes. Places very close to the home are spread out slightly so they can be told apart.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Practice and pharmacy details from the NHS England Organisation Data Service. A&E sites from NHS England A&E data and the Organisation Data Service. Railway stations from the Department for Transport NaPTAN dataset. Distances are straight line and approximate.
Local care news in Surrey
- New 30 bed care home registered with CQC in Waverley: Bridge House Care Home (5 November 2026)
- CQC register adds a new care home in Waverley: Cedar Court Care Home (5 November 2026)
More local care news for Surrey
Common questions about Merlewood
Where is Merlewood located?
Merlewood is a nursing home in Virginia Water, Surrey, GU25 4LR. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Merlewood provide?
Merlewood is registered to provide nursing and personal care, with support that includes Older person care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is Merlewood's CQC rating?
Merlewood is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 22 May 2019. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Merlewood offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Merlewood offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Merlewood
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
No. Merlewood is not listed for dementia care on the CQC register. If dementia is likely, choose a home that is, so a second move is not needed later.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
Yes. Yes. Merlewood is registered to provide nursing care, so registered nurses are part of the team.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. Merlewood offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
No. Merlewood is registered for older people. Younger adults are not listed.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the South East
Merlewood has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the South East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,100 to £1,450 per week per person, typical range
- Nursing care: £1,350 to £1,750 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the South East, not a quote from Merlewood. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.