- Care home
Eastbourne Gardens Care Home
This care home is run by two companies: Willowbrook Healthcare Limited and Willow Tower Opco 1 Limited. These two companies have a dual registration and are jointly responsible for the services at the home.
Assessment report published 6 July 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of inspection: 12 May and 14 May 2026.
Eastbourne Gardens is operated by two companies: Willow Tower Opco 1 Limited and Willowbrook Healthcare Limited. These two companies have a dual registration and are jointly responsible for the services at the home.
The home provides nursing and personal care for up to 107 people living with a variety of care and nursing needs, mobility issues and dementia care. Care is provided over 3 floors. Assisted living provides care and nursing support on the ground and first floor whilst reminiscence on the second floor supports people living with a dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 81 people living in the home. The home had a registered manager in post.
This unannounced inspection took place on the 12 May and 14 May 2026. This was the first assessment for this service.
People had a variety of care and nursing needs. People received care and support from well-trained, competent and professional staff. The service provided safe, effective and person-centred care within a positive and supportive environment. Staff treated people and visitors with warmth and kindness.
Staff understood how to identify and report incidents and safeguarding concerns. Notifications had been completed to CQC and the local authority when appropriate. The registered manager was proactive in using any incidents and events to identify learning and continually improve the service. Staff and management worked effectively with external partners to support safe transitions and continuity of care.
Systems were in place to maintain a safe environment.
Safe recruitment processes were followed. Staff received appropriate training to ensure they could safely meet the needs of people living in the home. Staff received regular one to one and group supervision. Registered nurses were supported to attend courses and updates to ensure best practice was maintained. People’s needs and dependency levels were regularly reviewed. Staff expressed some concerns regarding staffing changes and staff allocation which had occurred since the change of provider. These were discussed with management during the inspection.
Care was assessed and reviewed regularly. Staff had access to care documentation which included vital information about people’s care needs to inform and support staff to provide good care.
Risks to people were identified and people were supported to remain as independent as possible. People were supported to make choices and be involved in decisions in how their care was provided.
The service demonstrated a strong caring culture. Staff consistently interacted with people in a respectful way treating people with dignity and respect. They knew people well and provided support that reflected individual needs and preferences.
The home provided a varied and exciting activities programme for people. People’s wellbeing was supported and steps were taken to prevent social isolation, people were actively involved in planning and choosing activities, events and day trips.
People, relatives and staff views and feedback were regularly sought through a number of channels, including meetings and surveys.
Governance systems were clear and robust with many layers of oversight completed within the home. Systems were regularly reviewed by higher management levels within the organisation. This ensured that the service continued to run effectively and meet people’s needs.
People's experience of this service
We spoke to people living in the home, visitors and relatives. We also sought feedback from staff and visiting health professionals. We carried out observations in communal areas throughout the building to gain a picture of people’s experience living in the home.
We observed interactions between people and staff and saw care was provided in a kind, caring and dignified manner. Feedback we gathered highlighted positive relationships between staff and people. Relatives felt staff knew people well and understood their needs. People told us they felt safe and well cared for and enjoyed living at Eastbourne Gardens and felt it was a happy, social environment to live in.
Relatives spoke positively regarding the home and level of care and support provided. One told us , “[Relatives name] has been there 18 months now; we did the care plan when they went in, and the staff often ask about things. There are loads of activities, they are happy as Larry, I think they have a better social life than I do”, “We have never had to raise any issues, I can go in whenever I want to.” And “We did the care plan with them and discussed the care”, “The care has been superb,10 out of 10, the staff are so kind to everyone.”