CQC Upgrades North Shields Care Home to Outstanding

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of Collingwood Court in North Shields from Requires Improvement to Outstanding following an inspection carried out in May.

The home, operated by Care UK Community Partnerships Ltd and Care UK Care Services Limited, provides accommodation and personal care for up to 63 older people, including people living with dementia.

The inspection was undertaken to review improvements following the previous inspection, where CQC identified breaches relating to safe care and treatment and good governance. Inspectors found the home had addressed all of the required improvements and was no longer in breach of regulations.

Following the inspection, CQC upgraded the home’s Well-led rating from Requires Improvement to Outstanding, Caring from Good to Outstanding, and Safe from Requires Improvement to Good. Effective and Responsive both remained Good.

Significant Improvements Recognised

Inspectors found the service had not only addressed the issues identified during the previous inspection but had introduced wider improvements that enhanced the overall quality of care.

Leadership was highlighted as a key strength, with inspectors finding the registered manager had created a positive, values-led culture where people, relatives and staff felt supported. Senior leaders were also praised for maintaining clear oversight and demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

Person-Centred Care Praised

People and their families spoke positively about the care provided, describing staff as compassionate, attentive and committed to understanding each individual’s needs.

Inspectors found staff consistently supported people’s emotional and social wellbeing through meaningful activities tailored to their interests and life experiences. These included community partnerships, themed events, personalised activities and pen friendships designed to promote connection and reduce social isolation.

The report also highlighted examples of staff taking time to understand how best to support people when they first moved into the home, helping them settle into their new surroundings with confidence.

Strong Partnerships and Staff Support

CQC found the home had developed strong working relationships with health and social care professionals, helping to ensure people received coordinated, timely care.

Inspectors also praised the home’s approach to quality assurance, with leaders using electronic systems to monitor performance, identify risks and learn from incidents to drive continuous improvement.

Staff told inspectors they felt valued, listened to and well supported, with leaders promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture focused on delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

A Positive Turnaround

The inspection demonstrates the progress made since CQC’s previous visit, with inspectors concluding that the home had successfully addressed earlier concerns while continuing to strengthen the quality of care provided.

The regulator said the service now demonstrates many of the characteristics of outstanding care, with leadership, compassion and continuous improvement embedded throughout the organisation.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.