Park House Rest Home - PAMMS Assessment Report

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) are utilising the Provider Assessment and Market Management Solutions (PAMMS) in our quality assurance process. PAMMS is an online assessment tool developed in collaboration with Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) East and regional Local Authorities. It is designed to assist us assess the quality of care delivered by providers.

The summary table below detail the PAMMS assessments undertaken for the contracted Older Persons (OP) care home throughout April 2026 to March 2027.

Date of inspection

13 and 14 April 2026

Date assessment was published

2 June 2026

Date previous assessment was published

30 June 2025

PAMMS Assessment Summary (Positive Outcomes, Observations and Concerns)

The Home uses an electronic care planning system. A comprehensive pre-admission assessment is completed by the Manager in consultation with the prospective Resident and, where appropriate, their family and friends. Care plans contain detailed, person-centred information that reflects each Resident's individual choices and preferences. Information is consistently recorded across all documentation, with evidence of regular reviews undertaken with the Key Worker to ensure care plans remain accurate and reflect the Resident's current wishes, needs, and abilities.

Documentation includes appropriate person-centred information, with a front page containing a photograph, name, date of birth, advance decisions, and details of any Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). A comprehensive life and family history is recorded, including lifestyle, care preferences, and personal views. Care plans clearly outline each Resident's individual needs, strengths, and personal preferences, providing staff with guidance on how to encourage independence wherever possible. They include comprehensive information to support Residents in maintaining relationships with family members, staying connected to the wider community, and continuing to enjoy their chosen interests.

During the assessment, family and friends were observed visiting the home and confirmed that Residents regularly participate in activities both within the service and in the local community. Residents are invited to share their personal wishes, which the Manager and Activities Coordinator actively seek to accommodate. At present, the Manager is exploring options to obtain a scooter with a sidecar to meet the specific request of one Resident.

Residents spoken with confirmed that their right to privacy and dignity is consistently upheld. Staff are observed to knock before entering bedrooms, address Residents in their preferred manner, and seek consent prior to providing any care or support. Clear signage is displayed on bedroom doors to inform staff and visitors when personal care is in progress, ensuring Residents are not interrupted.

Feedback from both Residents and relatives was highly positive. One family member shared, "I love spending time here; we are all very close," while a Resident described the staff as "kind and friendly."

The home has also received excellent feedback on Carehome.co.uk, which contributed to it being awarded a Top 20 Care Home accolade for 2025.

To further promote respectful, person‑centred care, the home has appointed a dedicated Dignity Champion. This role includes undertaking specialist training, maintaining a dignity folder, and completing regular dignity audits.

Most Residents were seen dining in the welcoming main dining area, where menus are conveniently placed on each table. A larger menu is displayed on the wall, and pictorial menus are also available to support choice. An additional, smaller dining room is available for Residents who prefer a quieter setting or who wish to dine privately with visitors.

Residents confirmed that they are actively involved in planning the menus and spoke very positively about the quality of the food, describing it as excellent. A cooked breakfast is offered daily, with lunch providing two clear meal options alongside alternatives, and lighter choices available at teatime. Catering and care staff demonstrated a strong understanding of each Resident's dietary needs, preferences, and portion choices. A wide selection of drinks is available with meals, including wine.

Park House had its last food hygiene inspection on 9 April 2026 and received verbal confirmation that they had retained their five-star (Very Good) rating. During the visit, the kitchen appeared clean, tidy, and well organised and catering staff were knowledgeable about safe food handling. Staff serving food were seen to be following appropriate food hygiene practices. 

The medication room was found to be clean, well‑organised, and securely locked during routine walkarounds unless in use. Daily checks are completed for both room and fridge temperatures, with readings recorded and reset as required. All temperatures reviewed were within the recommended limits.
Medications awaiting disposal are stored separately in an appropriate designated container. All medicines examined had clear, legible labels, however the date of opening was not recorded in all cases.

All staff administering hold the level 3 qualification in medication and receive regular training updates around medication. Quarterly medication competencies are carried out together with an annual topical competency.

Staff spoken with confirmed that they are confident in managing medication because of the training and support they receive.

Risk assessments were in place where specific needs were identified for a Resident and equipment required. Documented checks of wheelchairs, mattresses, pressure cushions, and profiling beds are carried out.

During the assessment there was a visit to assess the suitability of the service for people living with dementia, the home received the dementia friendly accreditation in May. 

The dependency tool, used by the manager to produce the rota, is now linked to the care planning software to ensure that it reflects the current needs of the Residents.

Rotas were reviewed and confirmed that staffing levels consistently exceeded those recommended by the dependency assessment tool. Staff reported that unplanned absences are typically covered by off-duty colleagues, with additional support from management and agency staff when required to maintain adequate staffing levels.

Observation confirmed that the staff had the right knowledge and skills to provide effective care and support to the Residents and sufficient time for unhurried and meaningful interaction.

A comprehensive programme of appropriate and effective audits is undertaken by Management and designated "Champions" responsible for specific areas. Where improvements are identified, action plans are developed which clearly outline responsibilities and timescales, and these contribute to the overall Home Improvement Plan.

The Manager utilises the "Safety Culture System" to design and implement audits across any aspect of the service requiring review. The Deputy Manager, who holds specific responsibility for driving service improvement, has also developed and completed additional audits.

Plans and Actions to Address Concerns and Improve Quality and Compliance

No areas were identified for improvement to ensure full compliance.

Level of Quality Assurance and Contract Compliance Monitoring

Level 1 - No Concerns, standard monitoring

Level of Engagement with the Authority

The Manager has a positive relationship with the Quality Assurance and Compliance (QuAC) Officer, maintaining honest and open communications and responding to requests for information in a timely manner.

Engagement and Support from Transformation Managers

The whole home has a high level of engagement with the Transformation Team and participate in a wide variety of opportunities, activities and initiatives, including Provider Forums, Activity Coordinator Networks, Well Led Programme, workshops, events, and research projects.

We will continue to identify new opportunities and engage with the home on future projects.

Current Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assessment - Date of Report Publication and Overall Rating

Date of inspection

17 August 2018

Overall rating

Good