CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Vida Hall
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured that the home was preventing and managing infection risks. This included visiting arrangements, protective equipment, testing, cleaning and social distancing.
- Effective?
- Good
- This area was not rated in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- This area was not rated in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- This area was not rated in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This area was not rated in this targeted inspection.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Vida Hall was inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about its infection prevention and control arrangements.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 17 February 2021. It focused on infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inspectors found good practice in the home. A visiting Pod allowed families to see and speak with residents safely, and it was cleaned after each visit.
Inspectors were assured that the home used protective equipment safely, followed social distancing and shielding rules, carried out testing, and had suitable cleaning and infection control arrangements.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the visit did not provide a new overall rating or a full rating for all five areas.
Safe family visits
The home had a dedicated visiting Pod with a protective screen and private space. It was cleaned after every use.
“The Pod was thoroughly cleaned after each use.” from the report
Reduced contact between houses
Staff and managers limited contact between the separate houses to reduce infection risks.
“Staff and management of the home ensured there was minimal contact between each 'house' to reduce the risk of infection.” from the report
Staff infection control checks
The home checked staff skills in using protective equipment and hand hygiene. It also recorded temperatures and Covid-19 test dates.
“Staff competencies regarding the donning and doffing of PPE, handwashing and use of alcohol hand gel were completed.” from the report
Keeping people connected
The home used digital technology and other ways to help residents stay in touch with friends and family.
“Alternative forms of maintaining social contact were in place and the home had supported people to utilise digital technologies and stay in touch with friends and family.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are family visits arranged now, and is the visiting Pod still available?
- 02How do you currently check staff competency in using protective equipment and hand hygiene?
- 03How are infection risks managed between the different houses?
- 04How are residents supported to keep in touch with family and friends if visits are restricted?
- 05What are the current arrangements for testing residents and staff?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not a full inspection and the service was inspected but not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 9 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, February 2020
Rated Outstanding; inspectors found exceptional dementia care, with safe, effective and well-led care rated Good.
This was a planned inspection. The first visit was unannounced and took place on 17 October 2019, followed by a visit on 14 November 2019. Inspectors looked around the home, observed medicines being given, mealtimes and activities, and checked care and management records. They spoke with people living there, relatives, staff, managers and health professionals.
The home provides residential and nursing care for up to 70 people living with dementia. Inspectors found exceptional care that was highly personal. Staff were kind, well trained and understood people's individual histories, needs and preferences.
The home was rated Good for safe, effective and well-led care. Caring and responsive care were rated Outstanding. The overall rating was Outstanding. The previous overall rating was Good, and the safe rating improved from Requires Improvement to Good.
Exceptional dementia care
The home used research-based practice and person-centred care to support people living with dementia. Staff focused on each person's identity, history and wellbeing.
“People received exceptional dementia care. The leadership team promoted education and research-based practice, which fostered high quality, person-centred care throughout the service.” from the report
Kind and compassionate staff
Inspectors saw staff treating people with warmth, dignity and respect. Staff understood emotional needs and used skilled, creative approaches such as music and singing.
“Staff were exceptionally kind, caring and compassionate. The high standard of care they provided significantly improved the quality and life for people living with dementia and enhanced their quality of life and wellbeing.” from the report
Personalised activities and relationships
People were supported to continue interests, maintain friendships and try new experiences. Technology, exercise and creative activities helped people stay engaged and connected.
“Staff used innovative and fun ways for people to feel part of the wider community, increase confidence and achieve goals.” from the report
Environment suited to people's needs
The home was comfortable and designed to support independence, reduce stress and give people choices about socialising or having quiet time.
“The environment was designed and developed to meet people's needs, reduce stress and promote independence.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How do you currently make sure there are enough skilled staff in each house as people's needs change?
- 02What systems do you now use to check that medicines are recorded, administered, stored and disposed of safely?
- 03How will you involve our family member in planning activities around their history, interests, communication needs and personal preferences?
- 04What dementia training and support are currently available for relatives?
- 05How are people's wishes about end of life care recorded and reviewed with them, their relatives and health professionals?
This was a planned inspection covering all five CQC questions, including the premises and care provided; the first inspection day was unannounced. This explanation was written from the published report of 1 February 2020 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 Vida Hall
3 rated inspections over 5 years: the service has held its Outstanding rating throughout.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- February 2020Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Good
- April 2017Gooddown from OutstandingSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Good
- February 2015OutstandingSafe: OutstandingEffective: OutstandingCaring: OutstandingResponsive: GoodWell-led: Outstanding
- September 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2013
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 21 February 2013.
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
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
28 live-in carers within about an hour of North Yorkshire
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 £1,010 to £1,290 a week. 27 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“Carla has been a god send with the implementation of bringing mum back home from respite care.”
“She was always 'just present enough': attentive, available, kind and engaging, but without ever over-stepping any boundary”
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.