A Hove nursing home has been rated good by an official government watchdog after an unannounced inspection.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) awarded the second best out of four grades to Middleton Grove Nursing Home, in Portland Road, Hove.
The CQC said: “The inspection took place on (Tuesday) 2 May and was unannounced.
“Middleton Grove Nursing Home provides personal care, accommodation and nursing care for up to 54 people.
“On the day of our inspection there were 51 older people at the service, some of whom were living with dementia and chronic health conditions.
“The service is spread over four floors with a passenger lift, communal lounges, dining rooms and a garden.
“At the last inspection on (Tuesday) 18 November 2014, the service was rated good. At this inspection we found the service remained good.
“People and relatives told us they felt the service was safe. One person told us, ‘You don’t have to worry about being here. They are all kind to us.’
“People remained protected from the risk of abuse because staff understood how to identify and report it.
“The provider had arrangements in place for the safe ordering, administration, storage and disposal of medicines.
“People were supported to get their medicine safely when they needed it. People were supported to maintain good health and had access to health care services.
“People and their relatives felt staff were skilled to meet the needs of people and provide effective care.
“One person told us, ‘I don’t know what training they’ve had but they seem well equipped to do the job as you’d expect.’
“Staff supported people to eat and drink and they were given time to eat at their own pace. People’s nutritional needs were met and people reported that they had a good choice of food and drink. One person told us, ‘I look forward to my food here. It’s very nice.’
“Staff felt fully supported by management to undertake their roles. Staff were given training updates, supervision and development opportunities.
“The service had a relaxed and homely feel. Everyone we spoke with spoke highly of the caring and respectful attitude of a consistent staff team which we observed throughout the inspection.
“One person told us, ‘They (the staff) are all very kind here.’ Another person said, ‘They are great. You can ask for anything and they don’t mind.’
“People’s individual needs were assessed and care plans were developed to identify what care and support they required.
“People were consulted about their care to ensure wishes and preferences were met. Staff worked with other healthcare professionals to obtain specialist advice about people’s care and treatment.
“People, staff and relatives found the management team approachable and professional.
“One person told us, ‘The manager seems like a very nice lady.’ Another person said, ‘Everything seems perfectly under control here and ticks over well.’”
The building previously housed a police convalescent home.
