The care home was rated inadequate and requires improvements in areas
A Cambridge care home has improved its rating after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) put it into special measures in 2023. St George’s Court Care Home in Russell Street, Cambridge was put into special measures on September 13, 2023.
The care home was rated inadequate overall, with inadequate ratings in safe and well-led, and requires improvement in effective, care and responsive. At the time, CQC inspectors found the care provider “failed to identify” that safeguarding processes were not always followed by its staff to “keep people safe from poor care”.
Inspectors also found clinical areas were “not always kept clean”, its governance, systems and audits processes were not “robust” enough and checks for medical devices weren’t always completed in line with manufacturer’s direction. However, after a follow-up assessment between April 28 and May 28, 2025, the CQC improved its rating to good in all areas.
Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the east of England said: “When we inspected St Georges Court Care Home, we were pleased to find significant improvements to people’s care, which was now consistently person-centred, respectful and kind.
“People living in the home told us they felt safe and happy with their care, and felt comfortable raising any concerns or ideas about it. Staff knew people very well and involved them in planning their care, meaning they understood their needs, preferences, and ways of communicating.
“Staff used this knowledge to tailor people’s care, such as by playing music when supporting one person to help them feel more comfortable. They’d worked with another person’s family to provide an instrument that had been important in their life as a teacher.
“Staff had also developed new activities based on what people enjoyed and found important, such as gardening and wildlife projects. We saw people were offered many choices in their daily routines.
“Leaders ensured staff had the skills and support to meet people’s needs. They were visible in the home, receptive to feedback, and had established a culture of continuous improvements so people received a high standard of care.
“Everyone working at St George’s Court should be proud of the changes they’ve made for their residents. We’ve shared our findings with them and will continue to monitor the service to ensure these improvements are embedded and sustained.”
In its latest inspection, CQC inspectors found:
- Staff monitored people’s health well and supported them to live healthy lives
- Staff supported people to maintain strong relationships with their family and friends
- Staff kept the home clean and fresh, and protected people from risks of infection
- Staff respected people’s consent and the rights of people with limited mental capacity
- Leaders safeguarded people well from risks of abuse or neglect
- The home worked well with other health and care organisations, so that people’s needs could be met seamlessly
- Staff discussed people’s needs and wishes for end-of-life care with them and their loved ones, to ensure these could be met comfortably
- Leaders promoted staff wellbeing exceptionally well, meaning they retained more employees, meaning people were cared for by consistent staff.
The care home provides personal and nursing care for up to 76 older people. Since the 2023 inspection, a new registered manager has taken over. St George’s Court Care Home has been contacted for further comment.
