Agenda item

CQC / PAMMS Inspection Results – Quarterly Summary (Q2 2023-2024)

Consideration was given to the latest quarterly summary regarding Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections for services operating within the Borough (Appendix 1).  10 inspection reports were published during this period (July to September 2023 (inclusive)), with attention drawn to the following SBC contracted providers:

Providers rated ‘Good’ overall (3)

•           Roseworth Lodge Care Home had been upgraded from a previous overall rating of ‘Inadequate’.

•           Primrose Court Nursing Home had been upgraded from a previous overall rating of ‘Requires Improvement’.

•           Care & Support Solutions had maintained its grading following a previous overall rating of ‘Good’.

Referencing Roseworth Lodge, the SBC Quality Assurance and Compliance (QuAC) Manager who was presenting the report commented that it was unusual for a provider to jump two grades since the last inspection.  Members were pleased to see these positive developments, particularly given the service had a good reputation previously.  Investment towards the décor was specifically welcomed.

Regarding Care & Support Solutions, the Committee asked if there were any updates following the CQCs recommendation that the service reviewed its systems to ensure training completion was effectively monitored.  The QuAC Manager noted that an Action Plan in relation to any required improvements, however minor, would be in place, though in this case the identified issues were deemed low risk.

Providers rated ‘Inadequate’ overall (1)

•           Willow View Care Home had breaches in relation to five regulations, namely dignity and respect, need for consent, safe care and treatment, good governance, and staffing – this led to the service being downgraded from the previous overall rating of ‘Requires Improvement’.

It was noted by the SBC Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing that Willow View Care Home was being closely monitored at present and that a new manager was now in place who was liaising with the CQC.  Although improvements were already evident, the service remained under an embargo and therefore could not accept new admissions.

The remaining six reports were in relation to non-contracted providers.  Inspections of two home care agencies saw New Horizons 24/7 Pvt Limited downgraded to ‘Requires Improvement’ from the previous overall rating of ‘Good’ (breaches identified around staffing, record-keeping and oversight), whilst Sally and Sarah maintained its grading following a previous overall rating of ‘Good’.  Outcomes of primary medical care service inspections saw A Vita Limited (doctors / GP) graded ‘Requires Improvement’ (no previous rating), The Arrival Practice (GP) maintaining its grading following a previous overall rating of ‘Good’, and Smile Spa Limited (dentist) requiring no actions (note: ratings not given for dentists).  Finally, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust received a focused inspection of its Emergency and Urgent Care (EUC) services and some of the ‘well-led’ key question for the Trust overall following previously identified concerns – no rating was given.

The section on Provider Assessment and Market Management Solutions (PAMMS) inspections (Appendix 2) was noted – there were three reports published during this period (July to September 2023 (inclusive)).  Comfort Call – Stockton and Alexandra House both maintained a ‘Good’ overall rating, but Woodside Grange Care Home – Chestnut Suite (Learning Disability element only, not the overall service) was downgraded to ‘Requires Improvement’ from a previous overall rating of ‘Excellent’.

Further detail was provided on the outcomes of the PAMMS inspection of Woodside Grange Care Home – Chestnut Suite.  It was explained that the previous inspection was a ‘light touch’ assessment which focused on a reduced sample of mandatory-only questions.  This latest report followed a full assessment which identified concerns around the ‘safeguarding and safety’ and ‘quality of management’ domains.

AGREED that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Results – Quarterly Summary (Q2 2023-2024) report be noted.