- Care home
Willow Court Nursing Home
Assessment report published 16 August 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 9 July 2026 to 10 July 2026.
At previous inspection we identified breaches of regulation. At this inspection, we found the provider was no longer in breach of the legal regulations relating to consent, safe care and treatment and good governance.
The provider had made sustained improvements across a number of areas since our previous inspection. Governance systems had been strengthened through enhanced oversight, improved auditing and the introduction of additional monitoring systems. Leaders demonstrated they had acted on previous inspection findings by improving risk management, medicines optimisation, care planning, clinical monitoring and environmental safety. These improvements were embedded into routine governance processes and supported the delivery of safer, more effective care.
People generally received safe, person-centred care from staff who understood their individual needs and preferences. Risks were assessed and managed appropriately, medicines were administered safely and people were supported to maintain their independence while making choices about their care. Staff worked collaboratively with people, relatives and healthcare professionals to monitor outcomes and respond to changing needs. People had access to appropriate healthcare services and were supported to achieve outcomes that reflected what mattered to them.
Although significant progress had been made, some areas required further improvement. Staffing arrangements did not always support people to receive timely care during busy periods, and condition-specific training did not always reflect the needs of the people. The provider had not consistently applied the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as some capacity assessments were not decision specific.
While leaders had introduced initiatives to improve staff wellbeing and engagement, staff experiences of leadership and workplace culture remained mixed. The provider had identified these areas and demonstrated a commitment to addressing them through ongoing quality improvement and oversight.
People's experience of this service
People consistently told us they felt safe, respected and well cared for. One person told us, "I am happy here, I feel safe," while another told us, "I like it here, everyone is very kind and friendly."
People described staff as kind, caring and attentive, and told us they understood their individual needs, preferences and routines. People felt able to make choices about their daily lives and told us they were involved in decisions about their care, including planning for the future where appropriate. They were supported to maintain their independence, participate in activities that interested them and continue relationships with family and friends.
People received care from staff who knew them well and responded to changes in their needs. We observed positive and respectful interactions, with staff seeking consent before providing support, explaining care and treatment, and promoting people's dignity. Staff adapted their communication to meet individual needs and supported people to access healthcare services when required. One person receiving short-term rehabilitation told us, "I am waiting to go home but whilst I am here, I am enjoying myself.".
People and relatives were positive about the management of medicines, the cleanliness and maintenance of the environment, and the support provided to promote mobility, rehabilitation and wellbeing. Relatives told us they were involved in care planning and were kept informed about changes in people's health and treatment. They also knew how to raise concerns and were confident these would be listened to and acted upon.
Although feedback was largely positive, some people and relatives told us there were occasions when they experienced delays in receiving support during busy periods, particularly at mealtimes.
Overall, people experienced compassionate, person-centred care from staff who promoted their wellbeing, respected their choices and worked with them, their relatives and healthcare professionals to achieve positive outcomes. The improvements made since the previous inspection were reflected in people's experiences of the service, although some areas required further development to ensure consistency.