Simon Marks Court

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 13 May 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of assessment: 9 April 2025 when we first visited the location site. We conducted a further site visit on 16 April 2025 the medicines inspector visited on 10 April 2025 and assessment activity concluded on 22 April 2025. This service is a residential care home for older people, some who may be living with dementia. At the time of our assessment, 37 people lived at Simon Marks Court. The home had a well maintained and tastefully decorated environment and grounds that were used by people, their friends, and relatives. There was a positive culture and atmosphere at the home and visitors were welcomed with no restrictions. Staff were kind and caring and keen to promote people’s independence. People’s food and fluid needs were met and people told us they enjoyed the food. Care plans were person centred, and medicines administered safely. Risk assessments were in place and regularly reviewed.

Staff recruitment processes meant staff were suitable for their roles and supported people safely. Staff had a good understanding of safeguarding processes and respected people’s wishes. Where people were unable to make their own decisions, they were supported in-line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.The management team were knowledgeable and understood the responsibilities of their roles. They had quality assurance systems in place to ensure oversight of the service.Staffing numbers ensured people’s physical and emotional needs were being fully met. The manager had implemented a manual spot check to gain some oversight into call bell waiting times. However, call bell audits were not being undertaken prior to our first visit, due to the system not having this facility, this was rectified by our second visit and an audit had been undertaken this evidenced that most call bells were answered in a timely manner. this meant that it was difficult to assess if call were being answered in a timely manner, feedback from people living at the home and relatives confirmed that staff usually attend promptly.

The service was previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment and good governance. Improvements were found at this assessment and the service was no longer in breach of these regulations.