CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Kingscourt
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors found safe recruitment, suitable risk assessments, safe medicines arrangements and effective infection prevention measures. Some people and staff reported that they sometimes waited longer for help, and staffing was increased during the inspection.
- Effective?
- Good
- Staff had the training, induction and supervision needed to support people. People's care was based on assessed needs, consent was sought, and staff supported nutrition and access to health services.
- Caring?
- Good
- People described kind and respectful care. Inspectors saw warm interactions, and found that staff protected privacy, dignity and confidentiality while involving people in decisions.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's needs and preferences, and staff were updated about changes. Activities were available and improvements had been made since the previous recommendation about regular activities.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The service had quality checks, a registered manager and a supportive culture. This rating improved from Requires Improvement, although the provider had previously received a fixed penalty after failing to have a registered manager in post.
What inspectors found, May 2022
Rated Good; inspectors found kind, safe care and improvements in leadership, but some furniture and redecoration still needed attention.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 11 and 13 April 2022. One inspector and an Expert by Experience spoke with people, relatives and staff, observed care, and checked care, medicines, recruitment and management records.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found safe staffing and recruitment, well-managed medicines, person-centred care, respect for people's dignity, activities, and good links with other professionals.
Some parts of the building needed redecoration and some bedframes needed replacing. People and staff gave mixed views about staffing, so the provider reviewed and increased staffing during the inspection. The provider gave assurances that the building improvements were being addressed.
The overall rating was unchanged from the previous Good rating in 2017. The Well-led rating improved from Requires Improvement to Good. The provider had also acted on earlier recommendations about staff supervision and activities.
Kind and respectful care
People said they felt supported and valued. Inspectors observed warm interactions and found that staff respected privacy and dignity.
“People spoke positively about the care they received.” from the report
Safe medicines and care
Medicines were stored securely and given by trained staff. Risk assessments, care plans and safety checks were in place.
“Medicines were safely managed. Records of administration were maintained and in line with best practice.” from the report
Personalised support
People were involved in their care planning, and staff updated plans when needs changed. Staff also worked with other agencies to support people's health.
“People were involved in developing their care plans which were person centred and changes were made as people's needs changed.” from the report
Activities and social contact
Activities were available and people appeared engaged in quizzes and music entertainment. Inspectors saw social interaction and friendships between people living in the home.
“During our inspection we observed a number of activities taking place including quizzes and music entertainment.” from the report
Improved leadership
The Well-led rating improved from Requires Improvement to Good. The provider had acted on earlier recommendations about staff supervision and activities.
“At this inspection the rating has changed to good.” from the report
Building and furniture
minorSome areas needed redecoration and a number of bedframes needed replacing. The provider said plans were already in place to address this.
“Some areas of the home required redecoration and a number of bedframes needed to be replaced.” from the report
Mixed views about staffing
needs fixingSome people and staff said waits could sometimes be longer or staffing could be difficult. The provider responded by reviewing and increasing staffing during the inspection.
“However, we received mixed feedback about this from people living at the service.” from the report
Previous registration breach
seriousSince the previous inspection, the provider had failed to comply with a registration condition requiring a registered manager. The fixed penalty was accepted and paid in full, and a registered manager was in post at this inspection.
“The provider paid the fixed penalty.” from the report
- 01What work has been completed on the areas needing redecoration?
- 02Which bedframes have been replaced, and are any still awaiting replacement?
- 03How are staffing levels reviewed against people's care needs, and what changes were made after the inspection?
- 04What activities are currently available, and how are they matched to each person's interests?
- 05How will you make sure staff continue to receive regular supervision?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five CQC questions, including infection prevention and control; the report also followed up earlier recommendations and the previous registration condition. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 May 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, February 2021
Kingscourt was inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection-control arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 25 January 2021. Inspectors checked how the home prevented and controlled infections, including COVID-19 risks.
They found the home was clean and hygienic. Staff used personal protective equipment safely, visitors had temperature checks and questionnaires, and people and staff were tested for COVID-19.
Inspectors were assured about visitor safety, social distancing, admissions, testing, protective equipment, hygiene, outbreak management and infection-control policies. People appeared relaxed and comfortable, and relatives said their relatives were safe.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the report does not give an overall quality rating or a standard rating for the other four questions.
Clean environment
The home was clean and hygienic, with extra cleaning intended to reduce the spread of infection.
“The environment was clean and hygienic with an enhanced cleaning schedule in place to minimise the spread of infection.” from the report
Protective equipment
Staff used protective equipment appropriately, and their ability to use it was checked regularly.
“Staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and had their competency to use this assessed on a regular basis.” from the report
Visitor and testing controls
Visitors had temperature checks and questionnaires. People living in the home and staff were tested for COVID-19.
“All visitors to the service have checks on their temperature and are required to complete a questionnaire in line with current COVID-19 guidelines.” from the report
Comfort and reassurance
Despite pandemic restrictions, people appeared comfortable and relatives said their relatives were safe.
“Despite restrictions; people who used the service appeared relaxed, comfortable and a home-like atmosphere was sustained.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are cleaning schedules and infection-control checks maintained now?
- 02How do you assess staff competency in using personal protective equipment?
- 03What testing arrangements are currently in place for residents and staff?
- 04How do you manage visits and protect people from infection during visits?
- 05What is the latest full inspection rating for the wider quality of care?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; the service was inspected but not rated and the other four questions were not covered. This explanation was written from the published report of 5 February 2021 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 Kingscourt
3 rated inspections over 7 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- May 2022Goodcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- October 2017Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- September 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 21 January 2011.
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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