The Beeches - 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 2025 to March 2026.

Date of inspection

1 October 2025

Date assessment was published

5 November 2025

Date previous assessment was published

16 January 2025

PAMMS Assessment Summary (Positive Outcomes, Observations and Concerns)

Staff were observed to support Residents in a non-discriminatory manner, promoting dignity and respect by asking for consent before providing care and support, knocking on bedroom doors before entering, using people's names when talking to them and offering choices. Residents spoken with confirmed that their privacy and dignity is maintained at all times and spoke highly of the staff.

Care plans were not signed by the Rresidents as an electronic care planning system is used. Responses to the question around involvement in care planning on the recent questionnaires evidenced that some Residents did not feel involved enough. One commented " I know that I have a care plan, but I haven't seen it". All care plans, risk assessments, and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are reviewed monthly and there was evidence of cross referencing of needs across all. Care plans viewed were seen to be reflective of the current needs of the resident.

Residents confirmed that they are provided with information in relation to food choices, they are informed of options available, and menus are on display in the dining rooms. During mealtimes staff were observed encouraging residents to be as independent as possible with eating and drinking, offering specialist equipment and discrete support, as necessary. A recent questionnaire around the mealtime experience has been completed, and the menu has been revised in line with suggestions made. The last Food Standard Agency visit was 26 March 2025, and the home retained its five-star rating.

The observed medication rounds were conducted to a high standard. The trolley was cleaned prior to use, and excellent hand hygiene practices were consistently followed. The staff member communicated clearly throughout the process, obtained consent from residents before administering medication, and demonstrated respectful and engaging interactions. The overall approach was calm, thorough, and unhurried. All staff administering hold the level 3 qualification in medication and receive regular training updates around medication. Twice yearly medication competencies are conducted 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.

Resident's dependency levels are reviewed monthly or upon a change of need. These levels feed into a dependency tool to assist the Manager in producing the staff rota. The provider allows managerial discretion to be able to override the dependency tool if they feel additional staffing is required, this then goes to the regional manager for agreement. Rotas were checked and staffing levels reflected the staffing requirements as per the dependency tool. 

All new staff complete an induction programme which covers the layout of the Home, fire procedures, infection control, and competencies specific to the role. Two induction booklets are signed by the employee and the person supporting with the induction, this was evidenced on all staff files viewed. The modules contained in the induction programme are in line with the Skills for Care 'Care certificate.' There was a lack of evidence in the staff files to support that regular 1 to 1 Supervisions and an annual appraisal were taking place. It is a contractual requirement that staff receive six supervision meetings a year together with an annual appraisal, to support performance management.

Risk assessments were in place where specific needs were identified for a resident and equipment required. Documented checks of wheelchairs, mattresses and profiling beds are conducted. The atmosphere was seen to be appropriate for those residents living with dementia, with orientation points throughout the unit. The home is currently working towards accreditation with the living well with dementia team. 

Plans and Actions to Address Concerns and Improve Quality and Compliance

The provider will complete an action plan to address the areas identified as 'Requires  Improvement' to ensure full compliance and improve quality. Progress towards meeting the action plan will be monitored by the Quality Assurance & Compliance (QuAC) Officer.

Level of Quality Assurance and Contract Compliance Monitoring

Level 1 - No concerns, minor concerns - standard monitoring

Level of Engagement with the Authority

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

Engagement and Support from Transformation Managers

The care home engages very well with the Transformation Team opportunities and initiates. Although the manager had completed a version of the Well Led Programme in a differed local authority area, he engaged with the Stockton cohort too. The Activity Coordinator engages to a high level, having completed the Level 2 Activity Provision for Wellbeing qualification, and attends all networking, workshops, training, and activities. The care home is also engaging in research opportunities.

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

Date of inspection

24 September 2025

Overall rating

Good