- Care home
Parkwood House
Assessment report published 16 October 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 30 July to 14 August 2026.
Parkwood House is a nursing home providing accommodation, nursing and personal care for up to 45 people, including older people, people living with dementia and people with physical disabilities.
We identified the provider was in breach of 2 legal regulations relating to safe care and treatment and good governance.
We identified shortfalls relating to people’s safety and the effectiveness of some governance systems. We found risks associated with fire safety were not always effectively managed. Several fire doors did not close correctly, and weekly fire alarm testing had not been completed. We also found some windows did not have tamper-proof restrictors in line with recognised guidance. This increased the risk of harm to people living at the service. We also found medicines systems were not always effective, resulting in some prescribed medicines being unavailable and people not always receiving them as intended. Records did not always demonstrate topical cream instructions had been followed.Managers were confident care was being delivered and creams were being ordered regularly.”
Following our feedback, leaders responded positively and took action to reduce risk. Some immediate steps were taken to address concerns relating to fire doors and window restrictors, and new systems were introduced to strengthen medicines monitoring and oversight. The registered manager was open and responsive to feedback and demonstrated a commitment to improving the service.
Feedback described staff as kind, caring and respectful, and relatives told us there were enough staff to meet people's needs. We observed high levels of staffing and staff were recruited safely.
The provider had developed training programmes, maintained infection prevention and control systems, and promoted a positive culture for people and staff.
Incidents were reviewed and safeguarding processes were understood by staff. People’s rooms were personalised and staff supported access to healthcare professionals when required.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns identified at this assessment.
People's experience of this service
Feedback from people, relatives and professionals was generally positive about the care and support provided at Parkwood House. Most people told us they felt safe living at the home and relatives consistently described staff as kind, caring and respectful. One relative told us, “I am so pleased with the care here that I don’t know how to tell you”.
Relatives told us they were able to visit without restriction and felt welcomed by the service. They said communication was good and they were kept informed about changes in people's health and wellbeing.
People and relatives told us staff supported people to make choices and remain involved in decisions about their care wherever possible. Relatives described staff encouraging independence and supporting people to continue with activities and interests important to them. Examples included supporting people to access local cafés, parks and pubs, celebrating birthdays, spending time with visiting entertainers and taking part in activities linked to their hobbies and life experiences. During our assessment we observed people engaging in a variety of activities and saw staff interacting with people in a friendly and respectful way. We also completed a Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). This indicated people appeared comfortable in their surroundings and staff interactions were positive, kind and supportive.
People were generally positive about the food provided. Relatives told us drinks and snacks were offered regularly and staff supported people with their nutrition and hydration needs.
Many relatives told us there were enough staff available to meet people's needs and described the staff team as experienced and knowledgeable. Relatives said call bells were usually answered promptly and people received support when they needed it.
Relatives and professionals told us people were treated as individuals and staff took account of people's wishes, preferences and life histories when providing care and support.
People’s and relatives were largely positive about their experiences at Parkwood House and described a caring and welcoming environment.