CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Westwood House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, November 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection prevention and control practices during a COVID-19 thematic review.
The visit took place on 22 October 2020 and was announced. It was part of a CQC review of infection prevention and control in care homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inspectors found the home was clean. Staff and visitors had access to suitable protective equipment, hand sanitiser and health checks. Staff training, spot checks and audits were used to monitor infection control.
The home had responded promptly to a positive staff test with deep cleaning, contact with other agencies and further testing. Inspectors also saw personalised visiting risk assessments and activities to help people stay occupied and in contact with their families.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the visit did not provide an overall quality rating or ratings for all five areas of care.
Clean premises
The home was kept clean, with higher-risk surfaces such as door handles sanitised twice a day.
“The premises were kept in a clean and hygienic condition throughout.” from the report
PPE and staff checks
PPE supplies were monitored and reordered when needed. Staff had training and checks on correct infection control practice.
“PPE stock levels were monitored on a weekly basis, and the centralised system could identify shortfalls in stock and automatically reorder.” from the report
Response to positive test
After a staff member tested positive, the home arranged deep cleaning, contacted other agencies and tested people and staff again.
“The service's response included an immediate deep clean of the premises, liaison with other agencies and re-testing for all staff and people using the service.” from the report
Support during restrictions
The home used activities and digital contact with families to help people stay connected when usual clubs and visits were affected.
“The service had worked creatively to ensure people using the service accessed activities they enjoyed.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What are the current visiting arrangements, and has the local council given feedback on the proposed visiting policy?
- 02How often are higher-risk surfaces such as door handles cleaned, and how is this recorded?
- 03What happens if someone cannot give informed consent to a COVID-19 test?
- 04How do you monitor PPE supplies and respond if stock levels become low?
- 05What activities and ways of keeping in touch with family are available if usual clubs or visits are disrupted?
This was an announced thematic inspection focused on infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it did not rate the other four areas or give an overall quality rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 November 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, November 2018
Westwood House was rated Outstanding overall; inspectors found exceptionally caring, effective, responsive and well-led support, with safety rated Good.
Inspectors carried out a comprehensive inspection on 17 October 2018. The visit was unannounced, although notice was given the day before because a recent move-in might have been affected by an unannounced visit. They spoke with people using the service, staff, a relative and health and social care professionals. They also reviewed care plans and staff recruitment records.
The home supported 10 people with learning disabilities. Inspectors found highly personalised support, detailed care plans and many opportunities for activities, learning, relationships and greater independence. Staff understood people's communication and support needs, respected their choices and helped them achieve personal goals.
Safety was rated Good. The other four areas were rated Outstanding. Inspectors found enough trained staff, safe medicine arrangements, effective risk planning and suitable safeguarding systems. They also found strong leadership, well-supported staff and thorough checks to monitor quality and make improvements.
The overall Outstanding rating means inspectors found care that exceeded the level of a Good service at the time of this inspection. The report describes the home as having exceptionally effective, caring, responsive and well-led support.
Personalised support
Care plans gave staff detailed guidance about each person's needs, preferences, communication and goals. People and families were involved in planning and reviews.
“People receiving support from staff at Westwood House received highly individualised person- centred care.” from the report
Choice and independence
People were supported to make decisions, build confidence and take part in meaningful activities. Staff helped people pursue education, work, relationships and independent living.
“People were supported to become more independent through communication and achieving goals.” from the report
Compassionate care
Staff formed positive relationships and offered sensitive support during illness, bereavement and end-of-life care. The report describes care that went beyond expected standards.
“Staff were highly motivated to offer care and support that was exceptionally compassionate and kind.” from the report
Strong health support
The home worked with health professionals and followed up appointments and advice. Staff supported people with healthy diets, exercise, medicines reviews and specialist care.
“People's health was prioritised and optimised and appropriate external professional was sought were necessary.” from the report
Effective leadership
Staff were well supported, trained and motivated. The management team used audits, meetings and feedback to maintain quality and identify improvements.
“There was a comprehensive system in place to monitor and maintain the high levels of quality in the service.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are people's care plans and activity plans reviewed now, and how are people and families involved?
- 02How do you support people to take sensible risks, such as travelling independently or pursuing relationships, while keeping them safe?
- 03What communication guidance is in place for my relative, especially when they are anxious or distressed?
- 04How do you support people's health appointments, healthy diets and medicines reviews?
- 05How can my relative take part in activities, education, work or learning to build confidence and independence?
This was a comprehensive inspection covering the overall quality of the home, including its premises and the care provided. This explanation was written from the published report of 28 November 2018 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 Westwood House
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- November 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- November 2018Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: OutstandingCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- April 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- May 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 20 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.
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44 live-in carers within about an hour of Swindon
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 £990 to £1,280 a week. 34 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“Linet became her carer and all changed, my daughter started eating, taking her medications and more important her happiness came back.”
“She was very caring, kind and patient to all his needs, she built up a wondetful rapport with him, she was dedicated and was there for him through good times as well as through the tough times”
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.