Four Oaks are proud to be GOOD

The positive outcome represents a swift and heartening turnaround for the service which was rated inadequate and placed in special measures when CQC inspectors visited last December. Home manager Diane Thomas said: “We are passionate about providing outstanding care at Four Oaks Nursing Home and are thrilled to receive such a good report. “Thanks to the hard work of my team, we quickly put right all the issues raised by the CQC on their last visit. Our goal now is to work towards an outstanding rating next time.” Inspectors received positive feedback on staff from residents, one saying: “They treat me very well, I love most of them. They are very kind, very nice.”

And relatives were equally complimentary, one saying: “Most of them are very good and kind.” Residents told inspectors that staff listened to them and acted on what they said. They also said their privacy and dignity was always maintained, staff knocking on doors and ensuring curtains were closed when delivering personal care. Inspectors praised the level of person centred care provided by staff who had been effectively trained in a new PCS electronic care planning system. The report notes that activities provision had generally improved with residents praising the range of things they could do from ball games and bingo to gardening and art. Visiting entertainers were also popular.

The report notes: “We saw that staff had more time to spend with people to chat or take them to the garden or sun lounge for some quality time.” Staff had also received training from Oomph Wellness, a training provider specialising in engaging activities for older people. Inspectors found that mealtimes were relaxed with the chef catering for individual dietary requirements, always chatting to new residents to find out their preferences.

The report notes that staffing levels at Four Oaks had been significantly improved and good progress had been made in addressing other safety issues such as minimising the risk of falls. Inspectors praise the leadership of the home, noting that the manager is highly regarded by staff and families, one relative describing her as “excellent and a good role model for the staff”.