CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at The Seaton
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured about visitors, admissions, protective equipment, testing, hygiene, social distancing and the prevention or management of outbreaks.
- Effective?
- Good
- This question was not covered by the targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- This question was not covered by the targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- This question was not covered by the targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- This question was not covered by the targeted inspection.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about the home's infection prevention and control arrangements during the pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 24 February 2021. It looked at how the home was preventing and managing coronavirus infections.
Inspectors were assured that visitors were supported safely, staff used protective equipment properly, and people were admitted safely. They also found that staff had infection control training, checks and plans for outbreaks.
The home supported visits in a dedicated pod and helped people keep in touch by phone or video call. It also provided activities and kept relatives updated through newsletters and online meetings.
The service was inspected but not rated. This report does not provide an overall quality rating.
Infection control training
Staff had infection prevention and control training, with regular spot checks and competency checks. They knew how to isolate people with coronavirus symptoms.
“Staff were well trained and have undertaken onsite IPC training and undergone regular spot checks and competency checks.” from the report
Safe visiting
The home used a dedicated visiting pod and offered phone or video calls when visits in the pod were not possible.
“People were supported to see their visitors in the specially designed pod in one of the lounges with direct access to outside” from the report
Safe admissions
The home had a clear policy for people arriving from the community or hospital.
“The provider had a clear policy designed for people who were admitted to the home from the community or from hospital.” from the report
Activities and communication
The home provided activities and kept relatives informed through a newsletter and regular virtual meetings.
“Relatives were kept up to date via a monthly newsletter and by a virtual relatives' meetings which were held on a monthly basis.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently supported to avoid spreading infections?
- 02How often are staff's infection prevention skills checked now?
- 03What is the current process for admitting someone from hospital or the community?
- 04How would you isolate someone who developed coronavirus symptoms?
- 05How are activities and contact with relatives being provided now?
This was an announced, targeted inspection of infection prevention and control measures during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not an overall rating of the home. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 March 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, June 2019
The Seaton rated Outstanding overall; inspectors found exceptionally caring, personalised and well-led care, with Safe and Effective rated Good.
This was an unannounced inspection on 24 and 29 April 2019. Inspectors spoke with people, relatives, staff and health professionals. They observed care and checked care records, medicines, staff files and the home's quality checks.
The home provided nursing, personal and respite care for 24 people, including people living with dementia. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines practice, good clinical care and strong support with food, drink and healthcare.
Inspectors rated Caring, Responsive and Well-led Outstanding. They found staff built warm relationships, respected people's choices and created activities around people's interests. The overall rating improved from Good at the previous inspection in 2016.
Kind relationships
Inspectors found that staff knew people well and built unusually warm, compassionate relationships with them.
“Staff developed exceptionally positive caring and compassionate relationships with people.” from the report
Personalised activities
People were supported to enjoy activities linked to their history, interests and abilities. Staff also worked to reduce isolation for people who preferred to stay in their rooms.
“People experienced an exceptional level of personalised care and support that promoted their physical and mental wellbeing and enhanced their quality of life.” from the report
Choice and dignity
People were asked for consent, supported to make decisions and helped to remain independent. Staff respected privacy, personal appearance, relationships and cultural preferences.
“People were encouraged to maintain their independence.” from the report
Strong leadership
Inspectors found motivated staff, approachable management and systems that tracked audits, training and improvements.
“The provider and registered manager were enthusiastic and promoted a person-centred, values based, inclusive culture.” from the report
Good food and nutrition
People helped shape the menu and were offered varied food. Staff monitored nutrition and hydration risks and sought specialist advice when needed.
“The cook visited each person daily to discuss their food choices.” from the report
Fire safety work ongoing
minorReplacement fire doors were being carried out after an external fire risk assessment. Ask whether this work has been completed and whether any further actions remain.
“Following an external fire risk assessment, improvements in fire safety were underway by replacing fire doors to meet current fire regulations.” from the report
- 01Have all the fire doors identified after the external fire risk assessment now been replaced, and are any fire safety actions still outstanding?
- 02How would you match staffing and staff skills to my relative's changing needs, particularly at busy times or if their health deteriorates?
- 03How would you personalise activities for someone with dementia, limited mobility or a preference to spend time in their room?
- 04How are medicines, nutrition and hydration monitored for a person with complex health needs or swallowing difficulties?
- 05How would you record and follow my relative's wishes about consent, end-of-life care and involvement of family members?
This was an unannounced planned inspection that assessed all five key questions; the overall rating improved from Good at the previous inspection published in 2016. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 June 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 The Seaton
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- June 2019Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- November 2016GoodSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- September 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- March 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- October 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 21 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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17 live-in carers within about an hour of Devon
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 £1,270 a week. 15 can care for a couple. 13 years' experience on average.
“She is such a warm and gentle person while being professional and competent at the same time.”
“She looked after my mum, who can be incredibly challenging, so well and so gently, and we always felt confident that my mum was getting the best care available.”
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.