Good CQC rating for Cotman House

Home Manager Rebecca Bewley and her team at Cotman House are delighted to achieve a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC} following the latest inspection which took place recently.

Cotman House, in Felixstowe, enjoys wonderful views over the bay and provides care for up to 62 residents. Each bedroom has en-suite facilities and is bright and spacious. Cotman House has first-class facilities with exciting activities and plenty of places to relax or entertain such as the café, hair salon, cinema and library.

CQC Inspectors noted during the inspection that the Home was following safe infection prevention and control procedures to keep people safe. These included Covid-19 related procedures around shielding, social distancing and visiting. The service had ongoing monitoring arrangements to ensure all aspects of infection control followed best practice guidance.

Residents told the inspectors they felt safe living in the service, and relatives said they felt their family members were receiving safe care. One person's relative said they were, "Totally confident that my [family member] is safe and receiving first class care."

The care team were seen working with people in a way which was responsive to their individual needs and preferences. For example, one person had not eaten their meal and a staff member offered them an alternative which they particularly enjoyed. Staff interacted with people in a caring and compassionate way.

One relative said their family member was, "Well cared for, has progressed well in the home and the staff understand my family member, their background and are interested in their progression."

People and their families were consulted and involved in day to day decisions about the running of the Home. Areas discussed included menu choices and suggested activities. Regular surveys of residents, relatives and staff were undertaken, with evidence of continuous improvements being made in response to feedback. While visiting has been restricted due to Covid-19, relatives have appreciated receiving regular contact to update them.

During the inspection the team spoke with three people who lived at the Home about their experience, seven relatives,10 staff members, including the registered manager, divisional support manager, senior care staff, care staff, domestic staff and maintenance staff.

A range of records was also reviewed including four people's full care records, staff training records and records relating to safe recruitment. A variety of records relating to the management of the Home, including audits and quality assurance were reviewed.

Relatives said they felt Cotman House was well-led. One said, "I believe the manager has fantastic leadership, she has an infectious personality and creates a happy working environment yet is very professional and caring. The seniors are also a credit to the home."

Delighted with the CQC feedback, Rebecca Bewley, Home Manager, said, “We had an unannounced inspection in December and I’m very pleased that we are now rated ‘Good’ in all areas by the CQC. What is more, this has been achieved in the pandemic, and our Covid-19 specific infection control procedures were inspected.

“We have worked hard to make improvements after being rated as Requires Improvement last year, so we are really pleased that the CQC recognised the improvements which have been made. This is down to the fantastic team here as well as great support from senior management and colleagues across Caring Homes. Well done to everyone and thank you to all our wonderful residents and families for their support and understanding.”