CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Highgrove
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, February 2022
Targeted infection-control inspection; the home was inspected but not rated, and inspectors found good COVID-19 safeguards.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 1 February 2022. Inspectors looked at infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also asked about staffing pressures.
The home was clean and had enhanced cleaning arrangements. Inspectors were assured that PPE, testing, isolation, visiting and infection outbreak procedures were being managed safely. Staff and visiting professionals who were not exempt met the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
Staffing levels were good, with no reported problems with recruitment or staff retention. This inspection did not give a quality rating. The overall service and the Safe question were both recorded as inspected but not rated.
Clean premises
The premises were clean, with enhanced cleaning in place since the start of the pandemic.
“The premises were clean. Enhanced cleaning had taken place since the start of the pandemic.” from the report
PPE arrangements
Staff had received training and checks were made on how PPE was worn and disposed of. Stocks were available and stored correctly.
“Staff had been trained and regular checks took place on how they wore and disposed of personal protective equipment (PPE).” from the report
Testing and isolation
People and staff were tested regularly. The manager monitored results and supported people and staff to self-isolate when needed.
“People and staff were tested regularly in line with government guidance.” from the report
Staffing
Inspectors found good staffing levels and no reported problems with staff recruitment or retention.
“Staffing levels at the home were good. There were no issues with staff retention or recruitment.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are you currently checking that staff wear and dispose of PPE safely?
- 02How do you currently test people and staff, and what happens if someone tests positive?
- 03How would you support my relative to self-isolate if this became necessary?
- 04What arrangements are in place now to manage staffing pressures during an infection outbreak?
- 05How are visits currently managed, and what vaccination or exemption checks apply to visiting professionals?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control and staffing pressures; it did not give ratings for the other four CQC questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 15 February 2022 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, December 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control measures were in place.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 12 November 2020. It looked at infection prevention and control measures, particularly in response to coronavirus outbreaks in care homes.
Inspectors found clear policies and processes to help prevent and manage infection. Cleaning of frequently touched areas had increased, staff had training in coronavirus safety and personal protective equipment, and the home was using the government testing scheme.
Inspectors were assured about visitors, social distancing, admissions, protective equipment, testing, cleaning, outbreak management and the infection control policy. The service was inspected but not rated, so this report does not give a full quality rating.
Infection control planning
The home had clear policies and processes for reducing the risk of infection and managing an outbreak.
“The home had clear guidance, polices and processes to help minimise the risk of an outbreak and manage any which occurred.” from the report
Staff training and protective equipment
Staff had specific training about coronavirus risks and how to use and dispose of protective equipment safely.
“Staff had received specific training in managing the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic and how to safely use and dispose of personal protective equipment (PPE).” from the report
Cleaning and hygiene
Cleaning schedules had been increased, including for areas and objects touched frequently during the day.
“Cleaning schedules had been increased during the outbreak, to ensure high contact areas, such as door handles, light switches and appliances were regularly cleaned during the day.” from the report
Communication with families
The registered manager shared information about visiting decisions and restrictions. Staff also helped people keep in touch with relatives and friends by phone and video call.
“The registered manager was open and pro-active in sharing information with friends and family, so they understood decisions around visiting and restrictions.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are you currently testing people using the service and staff?
- 02How do you currently manage visiting and explain any restrictions to families?
- 03How often are high-contact areas such as door handles, light switches and appliances cleaned?
- 04What training have staff received on using and disposing of personal protective equipment?
- 05How would you manage an infection outbreak, and which local health professionals would you work with?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control practices, and the service was inspected but not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 4 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.
Every inspection of Highgrove
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- February 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- December 2020Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- February 2020Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- May 2018Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- February 2016
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 19 February 2016.
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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At least 99 live-in carers within about an hour of Barnsley
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. 82 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“Carla has been a god send with the implementation of bringing mum back home from respite care.”
“Ivy was very kind and gentle in all her dealings with my late mother. They got on very well and were able to share a joke and a laugh.”
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.