South Coast Nursing Homes is delighted to announce that Fernbank Residential Care Home has once again been rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a comprehensive assessment in late March and early April 2026.
The inspection, which focused on ensuring our high standards of care remain consistent, highlighted the dedication of our team and the vibrant, supportive atmosphere that our residents call home.
“Throughout our visit we observed care that was respectful, caring, and supportive.”
CQC, April 2026
A culture of safety and compassion
The CQC report praised our robust approach to safety and person-centred care. Inspectors noted that our staff are not only well-trained in safeguarding and medicine management but are also deeply committed to the dignity of every individual.
Key highlights from the report include:
- Fernbank is led by a committed registered manager who is well supported by the provider’s management team. They have created a culture of openness; residents, their relatives, and staff are frequently given opportunities to share ideas.
- Residents are supported to maintain their autonomy, whether through self-administering medicines or enjoying the freedom to visit places of their choice.
- Dining experiences were highly rated; residents provided consistently positive feedback regarding the choice and quality of the food.
- The report highlighted recent refurbishments, with one relative describing the dining room as “lovely” and the premises as “well-maintained” and “nifty.”
Living life to the full
Our activity programme remains a cornerstone of life at Fernbank. The CQC observed residents enjoying a variety of sessions, including carpet boules, live music entertainment, and Scrabble.
One resident shared their experience with inspectors, saying:
“Staff are very friendly. There is a very nice atmosphere. They arrive at work with a smile. The morale is good. Really polite and really friendly.”
South Coast Nursing Homes offer nine homes and 411 beds across East Sussex and West Sussex. Each of our homes is fully registered and inspected by the CQC and offers the highest standards of resident care and comfort. This latest success at Fernbank is a reflection of the high standards maintained across our entire group.
