CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Queens Court
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, February 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection-control arrangements, with some concerns about PPE use and staff deployment.
This was an unannounced, targeted inspection on 22 January 2021 during a coronavirus outbreak. Inspectors looked only at infection prevention and control measures, including visitors, admissions, testing, PPE, cleaning and staff deployment.
The inspectors were assured that visitors were screened, people were admitted safely, testing was available and the home had suitable cleaning, hygiene and PPE arrangements. People's health was checked daily, and care plans and risk assessments were updated.
The home was closed to new admissions during the outbreak. Inspectors found that staff needed further learning about using PPE safely and planning rotas to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. The provider had acted on feedback before the inspection visit.
The service was inspected but not rated. This report therefore gives no overall quality rating and does not rate the other four CQC questions.
Visitor screening
Visitors had their temperature checked and took a lateral flow test before entering. Family visits were allowed in exceptional circumstances, with PPE provided.
“All visitors were required to have their temperature checked and undertake a Lateral flow test before they could access the building.” from the report
Staff testing
Staff were tested before each shift as well as weekly. Staff with positive results had a further PCR test and self-isolated for the required time.
“Staff were required to have a Lateral flow test prior to each duty shift, in addition to weekly testing.” from the report
Cleaning and hygiene
The domestic team used an enhanced cleaning schedule covering frequently touched areas. Hand sanitiser, PPE areas and clinical waste bins were available.
“The home was supported by a team of domestic staff who had implemented an enhanced cleaning schedule to include frequently touched areas.” from the report
Monitoring health
People's health was checked each day and care plans were updated when their health changed. Risk assessments and coronavirus care plans were in place.
“People's health was monitored each day using a nationally recognised tool to help identify any changes in health or well-being.” from the report
PPE use
needs fixingInspectors were not fully assured that staff were always using PPE effectively and safely. They identified improvements that were needed and signposted the provider to guidance.
“We were somewhat assured the provider was using PPE effectively and safely and following nationally recognised guidance on staff deployment to prevent the risk of the virus spreading.” from the report
Staff deployment
needs fixingSenior staff needed more learning about rota planning so that staff deployment reduced the risk of spreading the virus. The provider had taken appropriate action by the inspection visit.
“We found there was some additional learning required for senior staff on the development of the rota to ensure the deployment of staff minimised the risk of spreading the virus.” from the report
- 01What changes have been made to staff PPE practice since the inspection?
- 02What additional learning have senior staff completed about rota planning and staff deployment?
- 03How are staff tested now, and what happens if someone receives a positive result?
- 04How are family visits managed during an outbreak or when a person's health is failing?
- 05How are people's health checks and coronavirus care plans reviewed when their condition changes?
This was an unannounced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during a coronavirus outbreak; it did not rate the other four CQC questions or give an overall 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, January 2019
Rated Good; inspectors found kind, personalised care and clear improvement, but night nursing relied on agency staff.
Inspectors visited the home without notice on 11 December 2018 and returned on 12 December. They spoke with people, relatives, staff and health and social care professionals. They observed care and checked care records, medicines records, staff recruitment files, rotas, menus, incident records and quality checks.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found people were protected from avoidable harm, treated with kindness and involved in their care. They also found personalised care plans, good activities, suitable healthcare support and effective management checks.
People, relatives and other professionals said care had significantly improved during the 12 months since the new provider took over. The main areas still being worked on included recruiting permanent nurses for night shifts, giving all staff regular supervision and improving some parts of the environment.
Improvement under new management
People, relatives and professionals consistently described a major improvement in care and the running of the home during the previous year.
“People, relatives and other stakeholders told us the quality of care and support had significantly improved over the past 12 months since the new provider had taken over the running of the service.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff were attentive and compassionate. People were supported to make choices, keep their dignity and do what they could for themselves.
“We saw that staff were vigilant of people's needs and were attentive. Staff were all seen at various times to engage warmly with people on an opportunity led basis and with positive regard.” from the report
Safe medicines arrangements
Inspectors found medicines were stored, administered and recorded safely. Staff had medicines training and competency checks before administering medicines.
“Records confirmed people received their medicines including controlled drugs (CD) in line with directions and national guidance for care homes.” from the report
Staff supervision
needs fixingSupervision and appraisals had not been regular for all staff. Regular agency nurses were not included in the supervision planning tool, although management agreed to change this.
“We recommend that regular supervision and appraisal for all staff is sustained in line with the provider's policy and procedure and best practice.” from the report
Some environmental work remained
minorInspectors noted a slight smell on the top floor and said that dementia-friendly decoration changes were still in progress. Management said the smell would be investigated.
“We noted a slight smell on entering the top floor at around 10am, associated with wet sheets and incontinence pads; there were no other malodours around the building.” from the report
- 01How many permanent nurses now work at night, and how often are agency nurses still used?
- 02How is a senior member of staff available and visible at weekends and during night shifts?
- 03How do you provide supervision and appraisal to regular agency staff?
- 04What was found about the smell on the top floor, and what action was taken?
- 05Which changes to the dementia-friendly decoration and environment have now been completed?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five CQC questions, including the premises and the care provided; it was the first inspection under the new provider. This explanation was written from the published report of 11 January 2019 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 Queens Court
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- January 2019GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2017
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 29 December 2017.
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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83 live-in carers within about an hour of Windsor and Maidenhead
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 £1,020 to £1,260 a week. 76 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
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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.