St Margaret's Care Home

St Margarets Garth, Crossgate, Durham DH1 4DS
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9.3 94 Reviews
  • St Margaret's Care Home, Durham
Overlooking Durham Cathedral and Castle, St Margaret’s Care Home offers personalised residential, nursing and residential dementia care to older people.

From the lovely en-suite bedrooms and hair salon to the large patio area and wellbeing programme, the friendly and comfortable home offers a place for residents to relax, unwind and socialise with friends and family.

In the lovely dining areas, residents can relax and enjoy dining with family and friends, taken care of by the catering team who work hard to make mealtimes an enjoyable experience for all residents and their loved ones.

By getting to know each individual resident at St Margaret’s, the team take pride in empowering everyone to take an active part in life at the home. Whether it be participating in the popular wellbeing and activities programme or supporting residents in embracing the quieter times, they are committed to helping residents to lead their best lives.

Community is an integral part of life at St Margaret’s, so the team is dedicated to supporting residents in building strong relationships in the Durham neighbourhood, by organising events with local schools, charities and businesses in the area.

The professional care team is on hand to help you or your loved one settle into life in the home. The experienced and friendly home manager leads the team at St Margaret’s to provide the kindest care possible to all residents.

Care Provided by St Margaret's Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Emma Grebby (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Subject to agreement that St Margaret's can meet assessed needs.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (60)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

St Margaret's Care Home Reviews (94)

Total of 94, showing 21-40
9.3

St Margaret's Care Home has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.342) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time St Margaret's Care Home has 94 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 69
  • 18
  • 5
  • 1
  • 1

Date Published

94
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14
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always found the staff in general to be pleasant and friendly when I visit but I have realised that the staff don't just look after my Dad's needs, they actually care about him. To hear them today describe him as special, despite the challenges that he presents says it all. Thank you to St Margaret's
care home staff for the excellent care Dad receives.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

During a recent visit, I was quite disturbed by the fact that there were no permanent staff on duty, other than the supervisor. The staff were all foreign some with very little English.
This was making communication with residents very difficult. I realise within the care sector there is a staffing
shortage but I think it would be beneficial to have at least one permanent member of staff on duty. My family are still finding getting to speak to Mum on the phone very difficult it can sometimes take all day to get through.

Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at St Margaret's Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review regarding your Mother. I am pleased to hear that you feel the cleanliness of the home is good and people are treated with dignity and feel safe. We really appreciate your feedback and your understanding of recruitment within the care sector. There are a number of new staff who were working for the agency but are now working for St Margaret’s Care Home on a permanent basis. We will review the rotas to ensure that a familiar member of staff is on each community.
If you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact the Home Manager directly.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The home has recently been extensively refurbished, mainly the areas that visitors see - shame they didn’t replace draughty windows and old carpets in some of the rooms. My mum's dining room is extremely cold when the wind blows. In the years my mum has been a resident, I have noticed a marked decline
in the standard of food (lower quality of meat and fish) and cold drinks when available are watered-down cordials; I guess all due to cost of living increases. High staff turnover, agency staff are used frequently, and permanent staff seem to genuinely care for residents. The cleaning team are excellent; my mum's room and units are spotless at all times. There is no garden, just a patio at the back where residents are encouraged to plant up pots for the summer and a small patio to the side with views of the castle; this doesn’t appear to be used (it is attached to the nursing floor). Entertainment and activities are few and far between, loud volume on the TV is used as entertainment in the lounge.

Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at St Margaret's Care Home

Thanks for taking the time to complete a review for St Margarets; we really appreciate your kind comments regarding the kind care colleagues give and the standards of hygiene in the home. We are delighted that you feel the standards of the refurbishment are good and thank you for your views regarding the need to replace windows and carpets, and we will share your comments with the Regional Surveyor. We appreciate your comments on the quality of the meat, fish and juice and the quality of the well-being activities, and we will discuss this with our residents and with the team to discuss ways in which we can improve these areas. The garden areas in the home are currently being prepared for Spring and are used by residents in the warmer weather, there are two areas available for residents to access and colleagues would be able to help you and your family to access these areas. Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your review with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have visited this home more than 200 times since May 2022 to see my wife, who has Alzheimer's. I have always found the staff be it admin, caring, catering, cleaning, nursing, laundry or hairdressing, to be approachable, kind and considerate. They do a difficult job under trying conditions, and I commend
what they do.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I feel that my mam is well cared for at St Margaret's Care Home. All staff are friendly and easy to talk to, towards myself and my mam. Nothing is too much trouble. Mam is settled at St Margaret's. Her room is kept clean, and so is the rest of the home. Mam is treated with dignity, and her needs are
well met.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Exceptional, caring staff where nothing is a trouble. The care and patience my husband receives are gratefully received and appreciated. The home is kept clean, as is bedding/clothing. Husband's nursing staff closely monitor him and his medical requirements. Grateful - thanks to all staff.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unfortunately, I cannot visit my mam often as I live abroad, but when I phone, all the staff are extremely helpful, well informed and polite. When I do visit, I can see how dedicated and hard-working they all are. Nothing is too much trouble. I am always welcome. My mam is cared for in a respectful
and professional manner, and I can see she is happy and content. This, of course, means the world to me. Everything about St Margaret's is positive and reassuring.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Care staff very kind and considerate towards my mum. Thank you for your support.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The overall care and support are excellent. The weekly newsletter keeps me in touch with the activities and the necessary updates on medicines. In short, I am impressed and grateful to St Margaret's Care Home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My recent contact with the care home was around the refurbishment that is going to take place. The discussion I had was very professional and relaxed and I can see that this refurbishment is positive for all concerned. Both Home Manager and Deputy Manager for all they are busy spent time to explain
what is happening and I did not feel rushed and asked a lot of questions. Well done and keep up the good work.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My journey into having a good home for my mum has been a long and extremely distressing road, that is until I found St Margaret's, at last, a safe harbour. My mum has been at this home for 2-years, and I have got to honestly say because of the person-centred care she receives on a daily basis, her quality
of life is amazing; she is happy 99% of the time.


I have met all the carers and domestic staff etc, and they are a bunch of 'unsung heroes' - least we not forget them! Thank you!
They are all part of a big team who pull together night and day to provide care that is next best to the care of any family member could give. What more could I ask for but that peace of mind.
Keeping me informed of any issues that may arise, I am contacted asap, and a full explanation is given each time, every time.
The managers keep me in the loop to all my mum's needs; they are transparent every step of the way, good, bad, funny and sad; I value every member of this fantastic team of 'angels in disguise'!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Caring staff, great facilities, happy residents; we couldn't be happier with St Margaret's for Mum.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to thank the new manager and staff at St Margarets Care Home for helping us to make my mothers 80th birthday so special.
The kindness shown, not only to my mam but also to myself and my sister and brother, was so much appreciated. My mam loved the day and so did we.
Mam has lived at St
Margarets since January 2020.
Mam enjoys the company of her fellow residents and the warmth of the staff, its lovely to have peace of mind knowing she is so well looked after and is happy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The staff are all friendly and helpful.
Just had an issue with a doctor, who is being investigated.

Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at St Margaret's Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to complete a care review for us. We are working very hard to increase the standards in the home and look forward to asking you for your opinion in a few months’ time once our refurbishment program has been completed. At the home, we strive to deliver kind care to our residents and relatives and are delighted to hear that our staff are friendly and helpful. We are unable to add any comment regarding your loved ones medical care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My dad’s health deteriorated in January 2021 resulting in me having to find nursing care for him. After spending a few weeks in different care homes, he finally settled in St Margaret’s, which I believe was down to the level of support, care and professionalism provided by the team.


Unfortunately,

my dad passed in September 2021, however, I feel comfort knowing that he was made to feel as comfortable as possible at St Margaret’s and had established friendships with the staff who brightened his days.


From my visits to the home, it was clear the staff work very hard to meet the needs of its residents.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Upon admission, there were a few administration issues, but I cannot fault the care and attention my wife receives. Staffing levels could be improved, but this is not a reflection of the care provided. Covid-19 has had a massive effect on how care is administrated and has had an impact on visiting relatives.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't rate this home enough. They have cared for my dad up until he passed away on Monday 5th July. The staff were so caring towards him and catered for his every need. They looked after us as a family and supported us throughout it all. So grateful for the care we have received as a family.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle moved into St Margaret's in January right in the middle of lockdown. It was clear after a spell in hospital that he was not going to be able to cope at home alone. He has Alzheimer's and mobility problems causing him to be unsteady on his feet. The staff at St Margaret's kept me informed regularly
as to how he was settling into his new home, and I was able to speak to him a couple of times on the telephone. Yesterday, I was allowed to visit him inside the home for the first time. I have to say I was really impressed. The staff were all friendly and welcoming. My uncle was happy, content and looked so well. I knew as soon as I saw him, we had chosen the right home for him. I look forward to visiting regularly once all restrictions are lifted.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Today I was able to see my 92-year-old Mum and give her a hug for the first time since March. I can’t put into words how wonderful the experience was. All my Christmas’ rolled into one. Thank you to the manager and all the carers. They have really taken that extra step to look after my Mum during this
horrendous year. Even nursed her through COVID. I can’t praise St Margaret’s enough. Thank you and look forward to visiting again.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can not praise the home and staff enough. My mam and aunt have lived at St Margaret's recently during Covid. The whole team are professional, very welcoming and nothing is a problem for them. They have provided specialist support and care for my mum and aunt with dementia. They were treated as an
individual, with respect and dignity. They ensured we were kept up to date and gave honest information which made me trust the people caring for my loved ones. I could always speak to mum and auntie anytime I wished. They understood how painful it was not being able to see family and did all they could. They took the time to make their bedrooms perfect with all their personal possessions for the day they moved in. My mum and aunt sadly passed away but the staff continued to support my family through a difficult sad time. They provide palliative care and nursing staff are outstanding and compassionate. Thank you to all of the team for your care and passion when caring for precious people to me.

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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.342)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.342) out of 10 for St Margaret's Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.342 for St Margaret's Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (140 Excellents x 5) + (76 Goods x 4) + (33 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (3 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 257 Ratings = 4.342

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for St Margaret's Care Home is based on 19 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 19 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 11 Feb 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

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