We carried out a review of the data available to us about Newstone House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Newstone House, you can give feedback on this service.
Newstone House is located in the market town of Sturminster Newton in Dorset and comprises of accommodation for people over three floors. The service provides accommodation, nursing and personal care for up to 59 older people, including people living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 50 older people living at the home. Two of these people were staying for a period of respite.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
There was a very strong emphasis on the provision of activities that were meaningful and therapeutic to the people living in the home. The activity staff developed a comprehensive programme of activities to stimulate people's physical, emotional and cultural need. The wide range of social activities at the home were varied and enabled people to live fulfilled and meaningful lives, both inside the home and within the community. People received a personalised service which was responsive to their individual needs.
People received outstanding care at the end of their lives. Staff ensured people at the end of their lives experienced a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death. Staff were skilled, competent and provided emotional support and practical assistance needed at the end of the person's life.
People felt safe and looked comfortable and relaxed with the staff who supported them. People were treated with kindness and respect by enough staff who had been recruited safely and had the skills and required training to support their needs. A relative told us, “They (staff) are very nice, always friendly, helpful, and efficient.”
People lived in a home which was pleasant, welcoming and well maintained. Risks were managed effectively for individuals and the environment. Assessments of people's needs were comprehensive, with outcomes identified. Care and support was regularly reviewed and updated. Changes in people's risks were promptly identified, and referrals to health care professionals were made to seek additional support in a timely manner.
Risks of infection to people was minimised because staff followed up to date guidance on the use of personal protective equipment.
People’s medicines were generally managed safely, and they received them as prescribed for them. However, we identified some areas for improvement.
People had access to sufficient food and drink and were supported to eat and drink properly, their personal care needs were met, and their dignity and independence were considered. The dining environment was pleasant and there were enough members of staff to provide personal support. The management team had identified the food management at the home was an area which they could improve on and had taken action to address this.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People and those important to them were involved in making decisions about their care and asked their opinions about the home. They said they were happy with the care and support they received and said they would recommend it to others.
The provider recognised the importance of supporting and caring for their staff team and had good staff retention. They were actively recruiting and used the services of agency staff where their own staff could not fill any duty gaps. Staff felt supported and valued by the provider and said staff morale was good. One member of staff said that following the challenges of the pandemic there was a focus on mental wellbeing for staff and people who lived at the home.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 9 August 2021 and this is the first inspection.
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was outstanding, published on 14 April 2020.
Why we inspected
This inspection was carried out as it is a newly registered service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Newstone House on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.