Background to this inspection
Updated
28 April 2021
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC’s response to care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.
This inspection took place on 19 January 2021 and was unannounced. Inspection activity continued until 22 January 2021.
Updated
28 April 2021
About the service:
St Nicholas House is a care home for older people situated in a residential area of Dereham. The accommodation is located over two floors and people with dementia related needs were cared for in a separate wing. There were 28 people living at the service on the day of inspection.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
People’s experience of using this service:
¿ People and their relatives made positive comments about the care provided at St Nicholas House. Comments included, “I didn’t know there were places like this. I have decided not to go home as I love it here. I am amazed the place is as nice as it is.” And, “The people, not just the staff are so friendly and helpful, I am very impressed.”
¿ Some environmental risks in the service had not been identified and systems required improvement to ensure the environment was consistently safe.
¿ Staff were recruited safely, were visible in the service and responded to people quickly.
¿ People were given choice and supported to be independent. They were treated with dignity and respect.
¿ Staff knew people well and had developed meaningful relationships with them.
¿ People could take part in a range of activities which promoted their wellbeing.
¿ People's health was well managed and there were positive links with other services to ensure that individual health and nutritional needs were met.
¿ People received their medicines when they needed them.
¿ End of life planning required further development. We have made a recommendation that the service consults a reputable source to further develop end of life planning.
¿ People, their relatives and professionals made positive comments about the management team at St Nicholas House.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 22 April 2016)
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor all intelligence received about the service to ensure the next planned inspection is scheduled accordingly.