Orchard Nursing

Updated 8 January 2026

Date of Assessment: 21 January to 2 February 2026. We carried out site visits to the home on 21 and 26 January 2026, with the remainder of the assessment being conducted offsite. The service is a care home with nursing and can accommodate up to 57 people. At the time of our assessment 42 people were living at the home. Our overall rating is good.

We undertook this assessment following concerns we received about the care people received. We carried out a comprehensive assessment and assessed all 34 quality statements from all the key questions we ask, is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

There were some inconsistencies in identifying and addressing all environmental and infection‑control risks. Some unsafe practices were observed, including unsecured hazardous areas, inaccessible call bells and unclean equipment. Medicines management required improvement following a missed application of a pain patch. However, there was a generally positive culture of openness, transparency and learning, with a commitment to improving the safety and quality of care. Managers and staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding and reported concerns promptly.

Care was effective, with detailed assessments, personalised care planning and appropriate use of evidence‑based assessment tools. Staff worked well with external professionals, and people received timely referrals and coordinated support. Staff understood and applied the Mental Capacity Act appropriately, and best‑interest processes were followed.

While many staff interactions were kind and supportive, and family members praised staff for being attentive, practices were not always dignified or person‑centred. People were observed sitting in a darkened lounge due to sensor‑based lighting, and prolonged waiting during mealtimes occurred with limited staff engagement. People were not routinely offered meaningful choice regarding meals, and pre‑plated food sometimes resulted in unmet preferences.

The provider encouraged feedback and maintained clear, accessible information for people, families and advocates. Complaints were taken seriously and addressed appropriately. People had good access to healthcare services, and staff tailored care for individuals at risk of health inequalities. End‑of‑life planning was offered sensitively and supported informed decision‑making.

Governance systems were not always effective; however, the leadership team had begun to strengthen oversight. Senior managers had recently been appointed to support the home manager, and progress had already been made as a result. Staff described significant cultural improvements, increased morale and better communication. Leaders were visible, approachable and responsive, and partnerships with external agencies were positive. Managers were receptive to our feedback during both site visits and took immediate action to make improvements in response.

Updated 8 January 2026

People and their family members shared mixed but generally positive views about their experiences of Orchard Nursing Home. People told us they felt safe, with comments including, “Yes, very safe,” and “I am as safe as can be.” Several family members also expressed confidence in the safety of their relatives, saying, “I have not worried about [relative’s] safety at all,” and “Much safer than when they were at home.”

Most people described the environment as clean and pleasant, although one family member felt there were times when cleanliness could be improved. Feedback about staffing levels was mixed. Many people felt there were enough staff and that support was provided promptly. However, one person and one family member expressed concerns about staffing levels and response times, particularly during the night. One person told us when they rang their call bell it could take some time for staff to respond. A family member said call bell responses were “Fairly prompt,” although they had experienced waits of up to 20 minutes.

Feedback about food was generally positive. People told us they enjoyed the meals, describing them as “Really good” and saying they had “Never complained.” Others felt the meals were “Up and down sometimes but mainly okay.” Most people said they were offered drinks and snacks outside of mealtimes, although one person reported they did not routinely receive morning and afternoon drinks unless they specifically asked for them.

People described staff as kind, caring and compassionate. They told us staff were “Lovely,” “Very kind,” and treated them with dignity and respect. One person said, “It’s the way they talk to you and do things for you; it’s everything.” Another said they knew all the staff well and described them as “Fantastic, kind and considerate.”

People and family members felt communication was effective. A person told us, “I’m kept up to date with what’s going on” and a family member told us, “any issues are communicated promptly by phone and regular updates are provided, including through newsletters.”

People and family members said they knew the managers and found them approachable.