CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Somerleigh Court
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors found care plans for eating and drinking risks were followed, with enough staff available. They also identified mixed feedback about food, some masks not fitting securely and damaged surfaces that needed repair.
- Effective?
- Good
- This targeted inspection did not assess the Effective question.
- Caring?
- Good
- This targeted inspection did not assess the Caring question.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This targeted inspection did not assess the Responsive question.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This targeted inspection did not assess the Well-led question.
What inspectors found, March 2022
Previous rating Good; a targeted inspection found kind care and generally safe arrangements, but identified some food, mask and premises issues.
Inspectors made an unannounced visit on 14 February 2022. They looked at infection prevention and control, visiting arrangements, risks linked to eating and drinking, and staffing pressures.
People were supported by kind staff who knew them well. Care plans covered risks from eating and drinking, and staff followed the plans. There were enough staff, and people said staff responded when they needed help.
The home was generally clean and had systems for testing, visitors and protective equipment. Inspectors noted mixed views about food, some masks were not fitted securely, and damaged surfaces on the second floor needed attention. The provider took immediate action on the premises issues.
This was a targeted inspection, so the service was not given a new overall rating. The previous rating was Good and remains Good. The Safe question was inspected but not rated.
Kind, familiar staff
People and relatives said they were happy with the care. Inspectors found staff were kind and knew people well.
“People were supported by staff who were kind and knew them well.” from the report
Eating and drinking plans
Risks linked to eating and drinking were assessed and recorded. Staff supported people with the diets and modified diets set out in their care plans.
“People were supported to eat and drink as described in their care plans.” from the report
Enough staff
People told inspectors there were enough staff and that staff responded when they needed help.
“There were enough staff deployed to meet people's needs.” from the report
Visiting and infection measures
The home used testing and visitor screening, supported visits and helped people stay in touch when visits were restricted.
“When visiting was restricted, staff supported people to keep in touch with loved ones through telephone and video calls and e-mails.” from the report
Food quality and temperature
needs fixingFeedback about food quality was mixed. One meal was cold and the main meal was delayed, although the provider said it would review mealtimes and improve the menu.
“There was mixed feedback from people about the quality of the food.” from the report
Masks not always secure
minorInspectors saw some staff masks slipping below their noses. The manager said this would be addressed.
“However, we observed some staff's face masks were slipping off their noses and were not secure on their faces.” from the report
- 01What changes have been made to the menus and mealtime experience since the inspection?
- 02How do you make sure meals are served hot and that people can remember or change what they ordered?
- 03Has the planned second-floor refurbishment, including the kitchenette replacement, been completed?
- 04How do you check that staff masks fit securely and that infection control practices are followed?
- 05What were the findings of the recent staff survey, and how have they been acted on?
This was an unannounced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, visiting, eating and drinking risk management, and staffing pressures; it did not assess the full service or change the previous Good rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 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, April 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection control and support for people's wellbeing during the pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 26 March 2021. Inspectors looked at infection prevention and control measures in the home because of the coronavirus pandemic.
They found staff used protective equipment correctly, followed current infection control guidance and took part in regular testing. The home was clean and well maintained, with extra cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
Visitors were screened and tested before visits. When visits were restricted, staff helped people keep in touch with family by phone, video calls and email.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the inspection did not give a Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate rating.
Infection control
Staff had infection control training and followed current guidance. Inspectors found that PPE was used correctly.
“Staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and in accordance with current guidance to minimise cross infection risks to people.” from the report
Clean environment
The home was clean and well maintained. Records showed extra cleaning of frequently touched areas.
“The home was clean and well maintained. Cleaning records showed increased cleaning of frequent touch points such as door handles and light switches.” from the report
Family contact
Staff helped people stay in touch with loved ones when visiting was restricted. The manager kept people and families updated.
“When visiting was restricted, staff supported people to keep in touch with loved ones through telephone and video calls and e-mails.” from the report
Activities and communication
Staff adapted communication while wearing masks and offered small-group and one-to-one activities to support people's wellbeing.
“To support people's mental and physical wellbeing and prevent isolation, activity co-ordinators provided people with extra support through small group and one to one activities to meet their individual needs.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What infection prevention and control arrangements are in place now?
- 02How are visitors screened and supported to visit people safely?
- 03How often are frequently touched areas cleaned, and how is this checked?
- 04How will you help my relative keep in touch with family if visiting is restricted?
- 05What activities are available for my relative's individual needs, including if they have dementia?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control measures only; the separate domiciliary care agency and the other quality areas were not included or rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 22 April 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 Somerleigh Court
3 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- March 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- April 2021Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- April 2020Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2018Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2017Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- September 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 14 December 2010.
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
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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.