CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Potters Grange
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- People felt safe. Inspectors found that risks were assessed, there were enough staff, recruitment checks were completed and medicines were managed safely. Infection control arrangements were also found to be suitable.
- Effective?
- Good
- People had detailed assessments and care plans that reflected their choices and needs. Staff were trained and supervised, and people received support with food, health care and decisions about their care.
- Caring?
- Good
- People and relatives described staff as kind, caring and respectful. Inspectors saw staff protecting people's privacy, dignity and independence and involving them in decisions.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care was planned around people's preferences, communication needs and interests. People could take part in activities, maintain relationships and raise complaints or concerns.
- Well-led?
- Good
- People, relatives and staff gave positive feedback about the home's culture and management. Regular audits, meetings, surveys and feedback systems provided oversight of the care.
What inspectors found, August 2022
Potters Grange is rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with visiting arrangements improved during the inspection.
This was the first inspection since the home registered in June 2021. It was unannounced. Inspectors visited on 14 July 2022 and reviewed information and records up to 29 July 2022. They spoke with five people, three relatives and eight staff, and reviewed care, medicine, recruitment, training and management records.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. People said they felt safe and well cared for. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicine systems, suitable care plans, good support with health and nutrition, and respectful care.
The home offered activities, supported personal choices and involved people and relatives in care planning. Inspectors also found strong management oversight, regular audits and opportunities for feedback.
There had been restrictions on visits, including a booking system and limits on which areas visitors could use. Inspectors raised this during the visit, and the home confirmed that arrangements had been changed to follow current guidance by the end of the inspection.
Risk management
The home assessed risks linked to people's health, safety and surroundings. Staff knew what action to take, and incidents were reviewed so lessons could be shared.
“Risks associated with people's needs or the environment were assessed, and measures put in place to mitigate them.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
People and relatives spoke positively about staff. Inspectors observed respectful interactions and support that protected privacy, dignity and independence.
“People told us they were well supported and cared for, with relatives also giving positive feedback.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans recorded people's choices, preferences and what mattered to them. People and relatives were involved in reviewing their care.
“Care plans recorded people's likes, dislikes and what was important to them.” from the report
Management oversight
The provider and manager used audits, meetings, surveys and other checks to monitor the service and identify improvements.
“The provider and registered manager had a comprehensive quality assurance system in place which ensured all aspects of the service were regularly audited.” from the report
Visiting arrangements
needs fixingBefore the inspection, visits had been subject to a booking system and restrictions on which parts of the building visitors could use. Inspectors raised this, and arrangements were changed by the end of the inspection.
“However, the registered manager confirmed that restrictions were in place prior to the outbreak with regards to use of a booking system for all visits and the areas of the building that visitors could access.” from the report
- 01What are the current visiting arrangements, and can visitors move freely around the home?
- 02How often will my relative's care plans and risk assessments be reviewed?
- 03How do you check that staffing levels remain enough when people's needs change?
- 04How will my relative's medicines be checked and monitored?
- 05How will my relative and our family be involved in care reviews and feedback?
This was the first inspection of the newly registered home and covered all five key questions, including infection prevention and control under Safe. This explanation was written from the published report of 31 August 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.
Every inspection of Potters Grange
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- August 2022Goodcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2021
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 4 June 2021.
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 100 live-in carers within about an hour of Hertfordshire
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 £1,300 a week. 82 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“She handled the new situation in front of her with such professionalism and I felt I could trust her 100%.”
“She was v competent and confident and we felt our mum was safe in her care. She supported us through a difficult time.”
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.