CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Mulberry Court
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, March 2022
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection control, safe visiting arrangements and clean, well-managed premises.
This was a targeted inspection on 9 February 2022. Inspectors looked mainly at infection prevention and control, visiting arrangements and whether COVID-19 staffing pressures affected care. The visit was announced 24 hours in advance.
Inspectors found clear checks for visitors, including testing, vaccination evidence and temperature checks. Staff used suitable protective equipment, had infection control training and understood how to reduce cross-infection. The home had regular cleaning schedules and kept areas clean, ventilated and uncluttered.
People and relatives said they were happy with the home and had been kept informed about visiting and testing. The service was working within the Mental Capacity Act for COVID-19 processes. The home was inspected but not rated, so this report is not a full quality rating.
Safe visiting
The home had a clear process for welcoming visitors safely. This included checks on testing, vaccination status and temperature.
“There was a clear procedure in place to safely welcome visitors to the home.” from the report
Trained staff
Staff received refresher training in infection prevention and control. Inspectors said staff understood the risks of cross-contamination and followed current guidance.
“Staff regularly undertook refresher training that covered infection prevention and control processes.” from the report
Clean premises
The buildings and equipment were visibly clean. Cleaning included scheduled work and frequent cleaning of high-touch areas.
“The premises and equipment were visibly clean and all areas were well ventilated and uncluttered to ensure people's safety.” from the report
Good communication
People and relatives were kept informed about changing COVID-19 guidance, visiting and testing arrangements.
“The service ensured people and relatives were kept informed of the current COVID-19 guidelines.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What infection control, visiting and testing arrangements are in place now, and how do they differ from those inspected in February 2022?
- 02How do you manage staffing pressures, and how do you check that they are not affecting people's care?
- 03How often do staff receive refresher training in infection prevention and control?
- 04How are each person's COVID-19 risks and capacity to make decisions about infection control reviewed?
- 05How do you keep relatives informed when visiting or infection control guidance changes?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, visiting arrangements and COVID-19-related staffing pressures; it was not a full inspection and the service was inspected but not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 3 March 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
Mulberry Court was inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about infection prevention and control during the February 2021 visit.
This was a planned, announced inspection on 3 February 2021. It was a targeted check of how the home was preventing and controlling coronavirus infections.
Inspectors found strong visitor safety measures, including health checks, temperature checks, protective equipment and rapid Covid-19 testing. They found the home visibly clean, with regular cleaning of frequently touched areas and infection control audits.
The home was testing people and staff in line with the government programme, and inspectors were assured that protective equipment, testing, social distancing and outbreak arrangements were being managed safely. The service was inspected but not rated, so this report does not give an overall quality rating.
Visitor infection checks
Visitors were checked through a health questionnaire, temperature check, protective equipment and rapid Covid-19 testing, except in emergencies.
“The home had a robust procedure for visitors to help reduce the risk of infection.” from the report
Clean environment
The home was visibly clean. Cleaning included frequently touched areas, and the manager carried out spot checks.
“The home was visibly clean throughout. The cleaning schedule included general cleaning and high touch point areas such as light switches, handrails and door handles.” from the report
Protective equipment and testing
Staff had enough protective equipment and were observed using it correctly. Staff and people were tested under the government testing programme.
“Staff had a plentiful supply of PPE and were observed wearing this appropriately during the inspection.” from the report
Support for wellbeing
The home provided activities and ways for people to stay in touch with family and friends when visits were not possible. It also considered adjustments for people who found masks difficult or who were more at risk from the virus.
“Activities to help people remain healthy and stimulated included crafting, films, baking and walks.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently checked for infection risk, and is rapid testing still used?
- 02How often are frequently touched areas cleaned, and how are cleaning standards checked?
- 03How often are people and staff currently tested for Covid-19 or other infections?
- 04How would you support my relative if they found face masks or staff wearing protective equipment difficult?
- 05How can residents contact family if visits are restricted, and what activities are currently available?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control only; the service was inspected but not rated and the other areas of care were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 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 Mulberry Court
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- March 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- April 2019GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2018
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 30 April 2018.
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.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
15 live-in carers within about an hour of Dorset
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 £1,040 to £1,340 a week. 11 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Even when things get a bit chaotic (as they sometimes do!), you’ve handled it with patience and a sense of humour — which is gold.”
“Nina was patient, focussed on my aunt's physical well-being, and unfazed by what at the time was a new and uncertain situation”
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.