Dunkirk Memorial House

Updated 27 March 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 9 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 27 March 2021

Dunkirk Memorial House is a care home. The home is registered to provide accommodation and nursing care to up to 90 people. The home provides care to ex-service people and their dependents. The home specialises in the care of older people, including people living with dementia, but is also able to support younger people.

The main house is divided into two main areas. One area provides care to people who require nursing care and the other provides care to people who need support with personal care. A separate 30 bedded unit called The Mews provides care to up to 30 people who are living with dementia.

At the time of the inspection there were 83 people living at the home.

At our last inspection we rated the service outstanding. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of outstanding and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

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At this inspection we found the service remained Outstanding.

Why the service is rated Outstanding

Since the last inspection the provider had maintained the high standards of care and support people received and constantly looked for ways to introduce further improvements. This had included taking part in innovative projects and addressing issues raised by people and staff.

Compliments received by the home described Dunkirk Memorial House as being “Such an exceptional place” and “A unique and very special home.” The local Member of Parliament had also praised the standard of care given at the home during a discussion in the House of Commons. One person said, “I just don’t think you could find anywhere better.”

There was a sense of pride in the home with people proud of their home and staff proud of the work they did. People were at the centre of everything at the home and consulted on all changes. People had freedom to follow their own routines and staff were respectful of people’s religions, cultures, backgrounds and lifestyle choices.

People’s military backgrounds were respected and staff understood the preference of some people to follow routines. There was a memorial garden at the home and a remembrance service was held each year.

The staff were very responsive to people’s needs and preferences providing different care for people’s different needs and wishes. This was demonstrated in the varied décor styles and atmospheres of different areas of the home.

People were supported by staff who had the skills and experience to meet their needs. Staff training was provided to make sure staff could effectively support people with specialist needs such as people who were living with dementia or people with specific medical needs.

There was a wide range of social activities and events for people to take part in. One person told us activities ranged from “Scrabble to Buckingham Palace garden parties.”

People’s health was monitored and the staff were creative in supporting people to stay active. There were regular exercise classes and dance was being introduced to hopefully reduce people’s risk of falls. There were extensive grounds were people could walk or access in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Throughout the inspection we saw numerous examples of kindness and compassion. We heard and read how staff went the extra mile to support people. Records showed the combination of physical care, stimulation and kindness had greatly improved a person’s quality of life. People told us staff “Will do anything for you.”

People were involved and consulted on their care and support and the running of the home. People’s needs were assessed and care was provided to people in accordance with their wishes and preferences.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The buildings were designed and maintained to promote people’s independence. The Mews had been designed specifically for people living with dementia and had several design features which assisted people to orientate themselves and remain independent. There was a range of social and quiet spaces. Everyone had unrestricted access to safe garden areas and these were well used.

Further information is in the detailed findings below