Rustington care home given clean bill of health

In October, inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) criticised the Darlington Court care home, in The Leas, saying the service it provided to residents ‘fell well below’ expectations.

The judgement, which followed an inspection of the site in June, 2013, said the centre had failed to meet four out of the five key areas assessed by the watchdog.

However, less than six months on from the damning report, the care home has altered its ways and rectified its faults, with it now meeting all five key areas, the watchdog concluded.

Inspectors found the home had made changes to procedures, changed its approach to staffing, and worked to involve residents and their families in the care and treatment offered – areas which June’s inspection found needed attention.

During the most recent visit, in January, inspectors observed the service, spoke to residents, relatives and staff and checked records and rotas. They also heard from relatives about the level of care given at the home.

One told inspectors: “The home and people within it are very caring. The manager is prepared to sort out any problems we have. The staff care, and are so kind.”

Another relative commented: “Darlington Court is a happy, caring place with jolly good staff – that includes everyone.”

Inspectors found that care records demonstrated people’s needs had been assessed and appropriate care plans had been drawn up – an improvement over last year’s findings.

The report said: “The manager demonstrated the improvements and amendments that had been made to records to ensure care and treatment had been delivered appropriately and safely. She informed us they had visited other services which specialised in the provision of rehabilitation care... to research how records could be developed to ensure they reflected individual needs and goals in terms of nursing care and rehabilitation.

Manager Linda Currie said: “I am really proud of what my team have achieved and the level of care we give residents. The improvements we have made reflect our commitment to their care and welfare and I am glad that our hard work has been acknowledged by the inspectors.”

Staffing levels have now been set according to the findings and guidance from the Royal College of Nursing, so that the home has the right numbers to meet residents’ needs. Inspectors checked rotas to confirm this and also talked to residents about their views on staffing levels.

Residents’ involvement in their own care was demonstrated by talking to the inspectors and by reviewing the home’s records.