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Lindisfarne Crawcrook

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

Kepier Chare, Crawcrook, Ryton, Tyne and Wear, NE40 4TS (0191) 413 7081

Provided and run by:
Gainford Care Homes Limited

Latest inspection summary

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Our current view of the service

Good

Updated 2 January 2026

Date of assessment: 6 to 21 January 2026.

Lindisfarne Crawcrook provides nursing and personal care for up to 60 people. At the time of the assessment, 55 people were living at the home, some of whom were living with dementia. This was a risk‑based assessment prompted by concerns identified through regulatory information and ongoing monitoring. The assessment focused on safety, staffing, infection prevention and control (IPC), governance and people’s overall experience.

Overall, the service continued to provide good‑quality care. People told us staff were kind and respectful, and staff interactions helped people feel comfortable. Relatives said staff kept them informed and involved.

The provider had systems for assessing risk, and staff demonstrated a clear understanding of safeguarding and incident reporting. Leaders reviewed incidents and shared learning with the team. People and relatives said they felt safe living at the home.

Some safety processes were not applied consistently. Routine checks did not identify issues such as missing pull cords, chipped handrails and unlocked clinical waste bins. Leaders also delayed escalation during a recent influenza outbreak. Leaders took prompt action when these issues were identified and fed back during the assessment, but stronger oversight was needed to prevent recurrence.

Staffing levels were safe during the assessment. Staff said they felt supported, although some relatives reported slower responses during busy periods or at weekends. Communication was effective but not always consistent. Leaders were visible and approachable, and staff said they felt able to raise concerns. Governance arrangements required further strengthening to make sure risks were consistently identified and acted on in a timely way.

People's experience of the service

Updated 2 January 2026

People told us they felt happy living at the home and said staff were kind, caring and respectful. Relatives described staff interactions as warm and positive. One relative said, “Staff take time to get to know people and treat even those who cannot communicate, with empathy, gentleness and patience.” Staff offered people reassurance and helped them feel at ease.

Most people said they felt safe and able to raise concerns. Relatives told us staff listened and responded. One relative said, “I do feel listened to when concerns are raised.” Some relatives reported slower responses during busy periods or at weekends, which sometimes delayed support.

People said staff supported them to make choices and maintain independence. Relatives said staff explained risks and changes in routines, such as after falls. Staff encouraged people to do tasks for themselves. However, some people had less flexibility with bathing or showering, and some care tasks were completed without explanation, which reduced involvement.

Feedback about activities and stimulation varied. Some people said they received attentive support, while others said there was “not a lot of daily mental stimulation”. Staff said busy periods reduced opportunities for one‑to‑one engagement. Quieter or more withdrawn people had fewer opportunities for meaningful activity. Structured observations (SOFI) showed many positive interactions, but some people still experienced periods with limited engagement.