CQC rates Cotman House Good following recent inspection

Cotman House Care Home, Felixstowe, Suffolk, has been praised in its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) report for service which is “consistently managed and well-led,” in an unannounced inspection.

The care home has been rated as Good in all five inspection categories of ‘safe,’ ‘well-led,’ ‘caring,’ ‘effective,’ and ‘responsive.’ In line with the CQC’s new ways of working following the COVID-19 pandemic, the infection control and prevention measures in place were inspected in full. This is to ensure the home is prepared in preventing or managing any infection outbreak. Cotman House maintained a Good overall rating throughout the very challenging times of the pandemic.”

Part of the Caring Homes Group, having taken ownership of this purpose-built home in September 2015, Cotman House delivers the highest standard of residential and dementia care for up to 62 elderly residents in a friendly and supportive environment.

Relatives praised the team saying they were impressed with the care delivered and communication from management, and CQC inspectors noted positive and caring interactions between staff and residents. One relative said their loved one, “Is being kept very safe and cared for in the best way possible. The carers are dedicated to keeping [family member] comfortable and as happy as possible.”

Another relative told the inspectors they feel their family member is, “Being well cared for in Cotman House and are happy they are receiving the respect and compassion deserved." A resident informed inspectors that they feel, "Very fortunate," to be living in the home.

Cotman House is built into the cliff-side directly above the pier and face due south, offering superb uninterrupted sea views of Felixstowe Bay and have become active and lively homes with established links in the community. Cotman House was named after the well-known and prolific architect Thomas W Cotman (1847-1925) who designed many of the most famous buildings in Felixstowe including the Railway Station, Harvest House (Felix Hotel), the Orwell and Bath Hotels, Barclays and Lloyds Banks plus many others. He was the nephew of John Sell Cotman, the famous Norwich water-colour artist.

To find out about life at Cotman House, the inspectors spoke with seven residents who live at the home and one resident’s relative. They also interviewed nine members of staff including the regional manager, home manager, deputy manager, catering team, care staff, housekeeping staff and the site maintenance officer.

The team also reviewed care records for five residents, the management of medicines, and staff engagement with residents and relatives.

After the inspection, the inspectors sought feedback from four relatives of residents at the home and spoke with a commissioner by telephone.

Rebecca Bewley, Home Manager, said: “This is a great achievement for our home and the team is thrilled as it shows that the CQC have witnessed the combination of great care, great service and great practices as well as great people working within our home.”