CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Wardington House Nursing Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured that the home was preventing and managing infection risks. They specifically found suitable arrangements for PPE, testing, cleaning, social distancing, admissions and isolation.
- Effective?
- Good
- Does the care work? Training, consent, food and drink, working with GPs and nurses.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- Are people treated with kindness and dignity?
- Responsive?
- Good
- Is care built around the person? Care plans, activities, complaints.
- Well-led?
- Good
- Is the home run well? The manager, the culture, how problems get found and fixed.
What inspectors found, August 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control measures were protecting people from COVID-19.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 13 August 2020. Inspectors looked at infection prevention and control as part of a national review during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inspectors were assured that the home used protective equipment safely, supported social distancing, managed admissions, arranged staff testing and kept the premises clean. The home had an isolation area for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
The home had trained care staff to use powered respirators, increased cleaning of frequently touched areas and kept relatives updated about infection control and visiting arrangements. The service was inspected but not rated, so this report does not give an overall quality rating.
Protective equipment
The provider invested in powered respirators for staff caring for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Staff received practical training in using them.
“These respirator masks provided staff with the highest level of protection.” from the report
Cleaning and hygiene
The home had increased cleaning of frequently touched areas and used equipment intended to reduce viruses and bacteria in the environment. Staff also received handwashing training.
“The provider had implemented enhanced cleaning, including cleaning of regular contact points, four times a day.” from the report
Testing and admissions
The provider arranged regular staff testing and paid privately when government test kits were delayed. New admissions and people returning from hospital were cared for in isolation until they had received a test.
“The provider had robust systems in place to ensure that new people moving in, or people returning from hospital did not bring COVID 19 into the home.” from the report
Communication with relatives
The home regularly wrote to relatives about infection control measures and had arrangements for visits outside and, for some people, inside.
“The provider had regularly written to relatives to keep them up to date on infection control measures.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How have your PPE arrangements changed since this inspection, including the use and training of powered respirators?
- 02How are staff tested for COVID-19 now, and what happens if testing kits or results are delayed?
- 03What isolation arrangements are used for new residents or people returning from hospital?
- 04How are visits organised now, and what infection control measures must visitors follow?
- 05What approach did the CQC signpost resources to develop, and what changes did the home make as a result?
This was a targeted thematic inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not a full inspection and the service was not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 25 August 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.
What inspectors found, August 2019
Rated Good overall, with Outstanding caring and inspectors finding kind, personalised support.
This was an unannounced inspection on 08 July 2019. Inspectors spoke with people, a relative, a visitor, staff and healthcare professionals. They reviewed care records, medicines records, staff files and management records.
The home provided personal and nursing care for 44 people aged 65 and over. Most people were living with dementia. Inspectors found people were safe, received effective care, and had their needs met. Medicines were managed safely, staff understood safeguarding, and there were enough staff to support people.
Caring was rated Outstanding. Inspectors saw exceptionally kind and respectful interactions. The home was rated Good overall, with Good ratings for Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led. The previous overall rating was also Good, but Caring improved from Good to Outstanding.
Kind and respectful care
Inspectors saw staff treating people with exceptional compassion. Staff took time to listen, reassure and support people in ways that suited them.
“People were truly respected as individuals.” from the report
Choice and independence
People could move around the home and garden, choose where to eat and decide whether to join activities or spend time alone.
“People have so much freedom to live their lives.” from the report
Personalised activities
Staff used people's interests, music, animals and community visits to make activities meaningful. Plans were flexible around what people wanted to do.
“Every interaction is a wonderful opportunity to get to know people.” from the report
Good communication
Relatives and healthcare professionals were kept informed. Staff used handovers and care records to share information about people's changing needs.
“She keeps us updated on all patient changes.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How do you find out about my relative's routines, interests and preferred activities?
- 02How would you support my relative to move safely around the home and garden?
- 03How do you make sure medicines are reviewed and administered safely?
- 04How would you keep our family informed if my relative's health or care needs changed?
- 05What support is available for people living with dementia and for end of life care?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five CQC questions and the overall quality and safety of the care home. This explanation was written from the published report of 14 August 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 Wardington House Nursing Home
3 rated inspections over 5 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- August 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
Read what inspectors found at Wardington House Nursing Home →
- August 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
Read what inspectors found at Wardington House Nursing Home →
- March 2017Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- November 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 26 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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38 live-in carers within about an hour of Oxfordshire
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. 32 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“We can all fully relax around Nyarai and she feels like part of our family, which is no mean feat!”
“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.