Agenda item

Consideration was given to the latest quarterly summary regarding Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections for services operating within the Borough (Appendix 1).  Only one inspection report was published during this period (April to June 2024 (inclusive)) – a focused inspection of Elm Tree Medical Centre which saw it maintain its overall rating of ‘Good’.

The Committee reflected on personal experience of visiting Elm Tree and commended the provider for its positive CQC report.  It was felt that this family practice, located within a socially deprived area, was a role model for others to follow, and that despite known challenges regarding planning (an issue the Committee had recognised during its recent review of Access to GPs and Primary Medical Care), as well as a limited revenue stream, it was performing very well in terms of enabling access.

Focus turned to the section on Provider Assessment and Market Management Solutions (PAMMS) inspections (Appendix 2), of which there were five reports published during this period (April to June 2024 (inclusive)):

·       One service, Real Life Options – Darlington Road, had achieved an overall rating of ‘Excellent’ following its first inspection.

·       One service, Ayresome Court, had maintained its overall rating of ‘Good’ (achieving ‘Excellent’ in the ‘suitability of staffing’ domain).

·       Of the remaining three reports, Dale Care – Stockton Home Care and Lorne House were downgraded to ‘Requires Improvement’ from a previous overall rating of ‘Good’, whilst Willow View Care Home were still deemed ‘Requires Improvement’ (graded ‘Poor’ in the ‘quality of management’ domain) following a similar overall rating from their previous inspection which was published in December 2022.

With reference to the assessment summary of the Dale Care – Stockton Home Care report, the Committee expressed concern over travel time between calls not being included in the rota and the identified shortfalls in supervision / appraisals.  Members felt that these two factors were basic managerial issues, yet the ‘quality of management’ domain for this service had been graded ‘Good’.

Attention moved onto the outcomes from the latest inspection of Willow View Care Home, a service which had been closely monitored by the Council for some time and that now had a new manager (with a good reputation) in post.  In response to a Committee query, it was confirmed that the home was still under embargo, with 38 individuals currently residing there (the capacity was 77).  Whilst Members were pleased to hear of the already positive impact of the new manager, it was noted that assurances around this provider had been previously received from the SBC Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing, yet numerous concerns remained.

Reflecting on this and other recently considered CQC / PAMMS update reports, the Committee commented on the contrasting range of quarterly results that were being evidenced through the Council’s PAMMS inspection programme (valuable output which was in stark contrast to the dwindling published material from the CQC).  Members felt it was clear to see the reasons why some services were achieving positive ratings, and that the PAMMS process showed other settings who were experiencing challenges what they should be aiming for.  Indeed, a number of providers had demonstrated the possibility of greatly improved performance – something which gave hope to all.

AGREED that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Results – Quarterly Summary (Q1 2024-2025) report be noted.