CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Abbott House - Oundle
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- The inspection looked at infection prevention and control only. Inspectors were assured about PPE, testing, safe admissions, visitor arrangements, hygiene and managing outbreaks.
- Effective?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this inspection.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this inspection.
What inspectors found, December 2020
Abbott House - Oundle was inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection control arrangements during the COVID-19 thematic review.
Inspectors visited the home on 11 November 2020. The visit was announced and focused on infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic.
They found enough personal protective equipment, updated infection control policies and staff training on putting on and removing PPE safely. There were also testing arrangements for staff and residents.
The home had a separate visiting room with outside access, PPE and handwashing facilities. Inspectors said they were assured that the home was managing infection risks, admissions, visitors, social distancing and possible outbreaks.
The service was inspected but not rated. This report does not provide a full rating of the home or assess all areas of care.
PPE and staff training
The home had enough PPE and staff had specific training on using it safely.
“The provider ensured there was sufficient stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in place including masks, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser.” from the report
Testing and outbreak planning
There was a testing programme for staff and residents, alongside arrangements to prevent or manage infection outbreaks.
“There was a testing programme in place for staff and people living in the service.” from the report
Safer visits
The home created a visiting room with its own outside access, PPE and handwashing facilities so relatives could visit in line with national guidance.
“The provider had set up a visiting room to facilitate visits between people and their relatives.” from the report
Safe admissions
Inspectors found a clear process for admitting people safely to the home.
“There was a clear procedure in place to ensure people were admitted to the service safely.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What is the home’s current rating, given that this inspection was not rated?
- 02How have the PPE, testing and infection control arrangements changed since the inspection on 11 November 2020?
- 03How are visits arranged now, and what infection control measures apply to relatives?
- 04What arrangements are in place now for safely admitting new residents?
- 05How would the home respond if there were an infection outbreak?
This was an announced thematic review focused on infection prevention and control; it was not a full inspection and the service was not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 3 December 2020 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, January 2018
Abbott House - Oundle was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care.
This was an unannounced inspection on 1 December 2017. The inspectors spoke with people living in the home, relatives, staff and health professionals. They also observed care, checked three care records and reviewed staffing, training, medicines, complaints and quality checks.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines support, detailed care plans, suitable training and good access to healthcare.
People were treated with respect and kindness. They were supported to make choices, take part in activities and keep in touch with family and friends. The home had a positive culture, and the manager and provider used audits and feedback to improve the service.
The home was rated Good at its previous inspection and remained Good at this inspection.
Kind and respectful care
People described staff as kind and friendly. Inspectors saw positive relationships and found that staff protected people's dignity and individuality.
“People were treated with respect, kindness and empathy; they had developed positive relationships with the staff that were caring, compassionate and friendly.” from the report
Personalised care plans
Care plans included people's preferences, past lives, hobbies and interests. They were reviewed and changes were shared with staff.
“People had detailed personalised care plans in place which enabled staff to provide consistent care and support in line with people's personal preferences.” from the report
Safe staffing and medicines
Inspectors found suitable recruitment checks, enough staff and safe medicines management. Medicines audits were used to address shortfalls quickly.
“Staff recruitment processes protected people from being cared for by unsuitable staff and there were sufficient staff to meet the needs of the people.” from the report
Good health support
People had regular access to health professionals. Staff noticed changes in people's health and made prompt referrals when needed.
“People had regular access to healthcare professionals and staff sought support from health professionals when needed.” from the report
Activities and community links
People could take part in activities, pursue interests and attend community events. The home also worked with local organisations, schools and community groups.
“There was a range of activities and entertainment available for people to take part in.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How many staff are usually on duty during the day and at night, and how do you respond when the home is busy?
- 02How are medicines checked and how quickly are any errors or shortfalls put right?
- 03How will you assess and support my relative's nutrition and drinking needs?
- 04What activities would match my relative's interests, and how would you support them to attend?
- 05How would you involve our family in care plan reviews and respond if we raised a concern?
This was an unannounced inspection that looked at the premises and care provided and assessed all five CQC questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 January 2018 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Abbott House - Oundle
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- December 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- January 2018Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 17 December 2010.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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89 live-in carers within about an hour of North Northamptonshire
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £980 to £1,260 a week. 76 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“If you bump into her in the night on her way to the bathroom she will still inquire how you are and if everything is alright.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.