CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Porthgwara Nursing Home
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured about infection prevention and control, including testing, protective equipment, cleaning, social distancing and safe admissions.
- Effective?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
What inspectors found, February 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control arrangements were effective.
This was a targeted inspection on 2 February 2021. It looked only at infection prevention and control because of the coronavirus pandemic. The visit was announced.
Inspectors found the home was clean and had measures to reduce infection risks. These included social distancing, clear signs, hand sanitiser, suitable protective equipment, staff and resident testing, and updated infection control procedures.
The home was closed to visitors at the time, following government guidance. It had arranged safer visits in the past, including a garden Pavilion with a sealed divider, and helped people keep in touch with relatives by phone and video calls.
The service was marked inspected but not rated. This means the report does not give an overall quality rating or a full rating for all five areas of care.
Clean environment
Inspectors found the home was clean and had procedures to reduce infection risks.
“The service was clean throughout, and there were appropriate procedures to ensure any infection control risks were minimised.” from the report
Safer visiting arrangements
Although visitors were not allowed at the time, the home had previously arranged visits that reduced infection risks and helped residents stay in contact with relatives.
“The Pavilion had a sealed Perspex divider with two separate entry points.” from the report
Testing and admissions
The home had regular testing and required evidence of a negative coronavirus test before someone moved in, followed by self-isolation.
“Robust admission procedures were in place, for example, the service required documentary evidence of negative Covid-19 test results before people moved in, followed by a period of self-isolation.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What infection prevention and control arrangements are in place now, and when were they last reviewed?
- 02How do you currently arrange visits for relatives, and what protective measures are used?
- 03What testing arrangements are currently used for staff, residents and new admissions?
- 04What evidence is required before a new resident moves in, and how is any self-isolation managed?
- 05What was the outcome of the home's most recent full inspection covering care quality, staffing and management?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it did not rate the other four key questions or give an overall quality rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 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.
What inspectors found, March 2018
Rated Outstanding; inspectors found exceptionally kind, personalised care and very strong leadership, with safe and effective care rated Good.
This was an unannounced inspection on 21 and 23 November 2017. The inspector spoke with people, relatives, staff and health and social care professionals. They observed care, read care plans and records, and checked staffing, recruitment, training, medicines and how the service was managed.
The home was caring and responsive in an exceptional way. People were treated with kindness and respect. Staff knew people's needs, histories and preferences well. People were supported to make choices, keep relationships, enjoy activities and stay involved in the local community.
Inspectors found safe systems for safeguarding, risk management, staffing, equipment, infection control and medicines. Care was effective, with suitable assessments, trained staff, support with food and drink, and good links with health professionals.
The overall rating was Outstanding. Caring, Responsive and Well-led were rated Outstanding. Safe and Effective were rated Good, and both were recorded as remaining Good.
Exceptionally kind care
Staff treated people with dignity, patience and compassion. Inspectors saw positive relationships and calm, respectful interactions.
“When staff interacted with people they did so in a relaxed, dignified and unhurried manner.” from the report
Personalised support
Staff knew people's histories, communication needs and preferences. Care plans gave detailed guidance about how each person wanted to be supported.
“Care plans were very descriptive of people`s health and social needs and these were personalised to each individual living at the service.” from the report
Meaningful activities
People helped shape the activities programme and were supported to continue hobbies, interests, relationships and community links. Individual choices not to join in were respected.
“Activities were arranged every day and people were involved in creating the activity programme.” from the report
Strong leadership
Inspectors found open and reflective management, with people, relatives and staff involved in how the service was run.
“The management team demonstrated an open, transparent and reflective leadership style.” from the report
Response to flooding
During a serious flood, owners and staff worked with emergency services and other organisations so people continued to receive care and essential supplies.
“This showed the provider and staff were able to respond effectively to highly adverse and unexpected circumstances.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How would you keep my relative safe and supported during a flood, power failure or other emergency?
- 02How would you adapt care if my relative had difficulty communicating or became distressed?
- 03How are care plans reviewed when a person's health or needs change?
- 04What activities would be available for my relative, including one-to-one activities if they did not want to join group activities?
- 05How would you involve my relative and our family in decisions about future end of life care?
This was an unannounced inspection covering the overall quality of the service and all five CQC questions, including care, staffing, medicines, records and management. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 March 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. The report was longer than we could read in one go; the later sections may not be reflected.
Every inspection of Porthgwara Nursing Home
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- March 2018Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- September 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 27 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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10 live-in carers within about two hours of Cornwall
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 £1,200 a week. 8 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“He had been a little anxious before she arrived, but has since stated that he would be very happy for her to care for him again”
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