Cornwallis Court

Updated 25 August 2023

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by one Inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Cornwallis Court is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Cornwallis Court is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced. Inspection activity started on the 19 July 2023 and ended on the 25 July 2023.

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from health and social care professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 12 people who used the service and 13 staff, including the registered manager, deputy manager, clinical lead and catering staff. We also spoke with 5 relatives of people receiving support and a health professional visiting the service.

We reviewed 7 care records, medicines administration records (MAR) and 4 staff records. We also reviewed other records, including policies and procedures, and records relating to the quality and safety monitoring of the service.

Updated 25 August 2023

About the service

Cornwallis Court provides nursing and residential care for up to 68 older people in one adapted building. The service is provided across 4 units. At the time of our inspection there were 47 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Leadership was described by people, their families and staff as extremely inclusive and supportive. Systems for governance and oversight of quality and safety were well established. There were robust systems in place to ensure high standards of care were provided and maintained. This included a variety of safety audits, surveys and staff performance checks. The management team led by example and put people at the heart of the service. People’s views were valued and they were consulted in the planning for improvement in the service.

People were extremely positive about the quality of care provided. Staff were passionate about providing excellent quality care and described by people as kind and respectful. People had their dignity and privacy respected and were supported to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives.

Staff understood the importance of gathering consent from people. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Risks to people were assessed and staff understood actions needed to mitigate the risk of harm whilst respecting people's freedoms and choices.

The service was clean, hygienic and a pleasant environment for people to live in. Infection, prevention and control practices kept people safe from preventable harm.

Staff understood how to recognise poor practice and abuse and knew what actions were needed if they had concerns. People told us they knew how to complain. Concerns were taken seriously and responded to appropriately. Complaints and compliments were shared with staff for reflective learning to address areas for improvement and to celebrate successes.

People were cared for by a dedicated and compassionate staff team who were valued and appreciated. Staff praised the working environment and the training and support they received to help provide high standards of care. Recruitment practices ensured staff were suitable for their roles. People had their medicines administered safely by trained staff who had their competencies assessed and checked regularly.

People received timely care and support in response to their healthcare needs, with immediate referrals to the relevant healthcare professionals if their health deteriorated. People and their relatives told us they had seen significant improvements in their loved ones health since moving to the service.

The service had a warm and homely environment, welcoming of people's friends and relatives, especially during organised events. People were supported by staff including activities staff who had the skills to meet their individual needs.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Why we inspected

We undertook this comprehensive inspection due to the length of time since the last inspection which was in excess of 5 years.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

The overall rating for the service has changed from good to outstanding based on the findings of this inspection.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for Cornwallis Court on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.