Hawkinge House

Hawkinge House is a residential and nursing care home that provides support for up to 146 individuals with a range of complex health needs, including dementia and brain injuries. This inspection report offers an overview of the service's performance across key areas, highlighting specific findings from the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment. Families seeking a care home will find this summary helpful in understanding the service's strengths and areas where improvements are ongoing.

In terms of safety, the service has made significant improvements, with residents and their relatives reporting feeling secure. Risk assessments are comprehensive and up-to-date, and staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures. Medication is managed safely, and robust infection control measures are in place to protect residents. Staffing levels are deemed adequate, with processes in place to ensure call bells are responded to promptly, and recruitment practices are safe.

Regarding responsiveness, the care provided is now more personalised and effective in meeting residents' needs and preferences. Care plans are regularly reviewed and contain detailed information about individuals' lives, preferences, and needs, with staff demonstrating good knowledge of these. Efforts are being made to reduce social isolation, with staff actively engaging with residents in meaningful activities. Communication needs are addressed, and residents and relatives know how to raise concerns, although some actions related to décor improvements are still awaited.

In terms of effective care, residents' needs are being met through well-organised and personalised support. Care plans are detailed and reviewed regularly, reflecting residents' individual preferences and life histories. Staff have received training in person-centred care, leading to more comprehensive and personal daily notes. The service is also actively working to enhance social engagement opportunities and has plans to invest in new equipment.

Looking at how caring the service is, the inspection found that residents feel safe and happy. Relatives have expressed high satisfaction with the care their loved ones receive, describing staff as polite, friendly, and caring. Care plans have been updated to reflect individual needs, and residents are supported with their specific dietary requirements to minimise risks.

However, leadership and management require further development. While quality assurance systems are in place, and efforts are being made to embed new reporting processes, the service is still in the process of registering a new manager with the CQC. While improvements have been made in updating care plans and risk assessments, and in the quality of daily records, these processes need more time to become fully established. The provider has introduced regular reviews and audits to monitor quality, but consistency in leadership across all areas is an ongoing focus.