Highfield - 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.
| New PAMMS rating | Previous PAMMS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good | Good |
| Involvement and information | Good | Good |
| Personalised care and support | Good | Good |
| Safeguarding and safety | Good | Good |
| Suitability of staffing | Good | Good |
| Quality of management | Good | Good |
Date of inspection
1 and 2 June 2026
Date assessment was published
22 June 2026
Date previous assessment was published
1 September 2025
PAMMS Assessment Summary (Positive Outcomes, Observations and Concerns)
The home uses the Nourish electronic care planning system. Care plans were person-centred, clearly outlining preferences, needs, and guidance for care, including emotional support. Biography sections were completed, capturing life histories. Monthly reviews evidenced resident and family involvement, supported by care plan involvement forms and 'resident of the day' discussions (uploaded in line with system use, as signed consent is not obtained).
Each resident has an allocated key worker, recorded within the system, and displayed in bedrooms. Daily records and monitoring charts were consistently completed, supporting effective risk management. Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Waterlow tools were used appropriately, with monitoring charts maintained daily and shared with health professionals where clinically indicated.
Care plans and risk assessments were reviewed monthly. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) were maintained in paper format, with an updated matrix reviewed monthly. The Nourish system supported continuous recording, with both structured and free-text entries used to ensure personalised records. Care plans also evidenced access to external professionals when required.
A varied activities programme was in place with two coordinators, offering group and one-to-one engagement. Activities were communicated via calendars, newsletters, and displays, with records and photographic evidence maintained.
Residents were supported with regular food and drink, choice was actively promoted, and safe food hygiene practices were observed. The home holds a 5-star food hygiene rating. Residents had access to a kitchen area, promoting independence.
National Early Warning Score (NEWS) monitoring was embedded into practice in line with local authority contractual requirements, with 100% monthly compliance achieved.
Staff demonstrated good awareness of safe care practices, including moving and handling and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Staff confirmed regular supervision in line with SBC contractual requirements, alongside annual appraisals. Recruitment processes were robust, though recording of employment gaps requires improvement. Structured induction, training, and shadowing processes were in place.
The environment was clean, safe, and dementia friendly. IPC measures were in place, including an IPC Champion and annual IPC audit completed in line with SBC contractual requirements. Equipment was serviced and compliant.
Medication management was safe, with secure storage, regular audits, and competencies completed at least six-monthly in line with SBC contractual requirements. Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR) systems were effectively used, with no gaps identified.
The service completed regular audits and monthly learning meetings to review incidents and safeguarding. Feedback systems, including 'You Said, We Did' boards, were in place; however, resident, and relative surveys had not yet been completed in line with annual contractual requirements.
Plans and Actions to Address Concerns and Improve Quality and Compliance
The provider will complete an action plan for all questions assessed as "Requires Improvement" and the Quality Assurance and Compliance (QuAC) Officer will monitor this for progress through contractual visits.
Level of Quality Assurance and Contract Compliance Monitoring
Level 1 - No concerns - standard monitoring
Level of Engagement with the Authority
The provider has a good relationship with the QuAC Officer and responds to requests for information in a timely manner.
Engagement and Support from Transformation Managers
The leadership team at Highfield show a professional approach when engaging with the Transformation Team, responding and maintaining open, positive communication. Overall involvement has been relatively limited, however the introduction of a new activity coordinator who has begun attending networking events presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement and build a more proactive partnership going forward.
Current Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assessment - Date of Report Publication and Overall Rating
Date of inspection
9 October 2018
Overall rating
Good
