Chichester Care Home Earns Outstanding CQC Rating

Cornelius House, a residential care home for older people in Chichester, West Sussex, has been upgraded from Good to Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in June 2026.

The home, operated by Cornelius House Limited, was caring for 15 people at the time of the inspection, which formed part of the regulator’s ongoing monitoring of health and social care services.

CQC upgraded the service’s well-led rating from Good to Outstanding, while its caring rating was also assessed as Outstanding. The safe, effective and responsive categories retained their Good ratings.

Inspectors found that staff provided compassionate, person-centred care that respected people’s dignity, individual preferences and independence. Feedback from residents and relatives was consistently positive, with staff recognised for their commitment to people’s wellbeing.

The inspection highlighted several examples of personalised support. Staff used gentle communication and touch to help a person manage anxiety, while another person who found personal care difficult was supported through the use of soft toys as a communication aid. This approach helped make personal care easier and reduced the need for medication to manage anxiety.

The CQC also praised the home’s focus on continuous improvement. After a resident found call bell sounds distressing, managers introduced a silent call bell system to create a calmer environment.

Care plans included detailed guidance to help visually impaired residents identify food on their plates, supporting independent eating. Staff also encouraged residents to participate in activities suited to their interests, helping them build friendships and feel more comfortable in the shared environment.

Inspectors noted that staff supported people to maintain their mobility while respecting their choices, including allowing residents to use wheelchairs whenever they wished.

CQC’s deputy director for adult social care in West Sussex, Amy Jupp, highlighted the home’s strong leadership and the way its management team supported staff to deliver care tailored to individual needs. The regulator said the findings demonstrated the importance of a person-centred culture in achieving outstanding care.

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