Dovedale Court, Preston
CQC Inspection Breakdown
| Safe | Good |
| Effective | Good |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Good |
About Dovedale Court
Dovedale Court provides accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care or treatment of diseases, disorder or injury. The service can provide support for up to 32 people, including older people, younger adults and those living with dementia. At the time of our inspection, there were 31 people using the service. The property is set over 2 floors with lift access to the upper floor. There were several communal areas and a large rear garden for people to enjoy.
What residents and families say
One relative told us, “The home appears to be moving forward.
“The staff know [person] so well and understand their needs, this helps keep [person] safe. They are so well looked after.”
“[Person’s] needs are varied but staff have a good understanding of [person] and how to give them the best quality of life possible.”
Source: CQC inspection report
Specialisms
About Dovedale Court
Dovedale Court, a care home with nursing in Preston, Lancashire, welcomes residents who need nursing support and day-to-day personal care in a homely setting. The home is operated by Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited and can accommodate up to 33 residents. Following their most recent inspection on 13/12/2023, the Care Quality Commission rated Dovedale Court as Good. Across the five inspection categories, the home scored Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led. The home caters to a range of care needs, including caring for adults under 65 yrs, dementia and caring for adults over 65 yrs. The service supports dementia, older people, younger adults. Regulated activities at the home include accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care and treatment of disease, disorder or injury. The PR2 postcode area has 34 registered care homes with a combined 1123 beds — so there are options to compare in the local area.
Finding the right care home is a deeply personal decision, and we hope this information helps you and your family feel more confident as you explore your options. Every person deserves care that respects their individuality, and the right home will feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
Dovedale Court is one of the care homes in Lancashire — a local authority with 421 CQC-registered homes, 325 of which are rated Good or Outstanding.
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Further Reading & Official Sources
- Official CQC inspection report for Dovedale Court
- View Dovedale Court on Google Maps
- NHS care home finder near PR2 3WQ
We link to official and independent sources so families can verify the information on this page.
What to Expect When Visiting
When visiting a nursing care home, it helps to see the clinical environment in action alongside the day-to-day living spaces. A good visit should leave you feeling reassured about both the medical and emotional care on offer.
- Try to visit at different times of day, including mealtimes, to see the home in action.
- Speak with staff and, if possible, current residents or their families about their experience.
- Ask about the nurse-to-resident ratio, especially during nights and weekends.
- Check whether the home can manage any specific medical conditions or equipment needs.
- Check whether outside spaces are secure and whether activities are tailored for people with dementia.
Questions to Ask When Visiting
It can be hard to know what to ask during a care home visit. Here are some questions tailored to Dovedale Court's type of care that may help guide your conversation:
- 1 What medical conditions do your nurses have experience managing?
- 2 How quickly can a nurse attend to a resident in an emergency?
- 3 Are there regular GP visits, or do residents need to travel for appointments?
- 4 What is your approach to pain management and end-of-life care?
For a more complete checklist, see our guide to choosing a care home.
Official CQC Inspection Report
The Care Quality Commission last inspected Dovedale Court on 13/12/2023 and rated it Good. The full report includes detailed findings on safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Read the full CQC reportWhat families typically look for
- - Whether nurses are on-site 24 hours and their qualifications
- - How the home manages medication and medical emergencies
- - Staff-to-resident ratios, especially overnight
- - Specialist dementia training and secure outdoor spaces
These reflect common priorities we see from families researching care homes. For personalised advice, we recommend visiting in person and speaking to current families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical conditions do your nurses have experience managing?
Dovedale Court has nursing staff experienced in supporting people with caring for adults under 65 yrs and dementia. In the most recent CQC inspection on 13/12/2023, the home was rated Good for Safe care — a category that covers clinical training, medication management, and infection control. Ask the nursing team directly about any specific medical conditions during your visit.
How quickly can a nurse attend to a resident in an emergency?
CQC inspectors rated Dovedale Court as Good for Safe care on 13/12/2023. The Safe domain covers emergency protocols, staffing ratios, and risk management. Ask the home about nurse-to-resident ratios specifically during night and weekend shifts, when response times are most critical.
Are there regular GP visits, or do residents need to travel for appointments?
Residents at Dovedale Court typically remain registered with a local GP who can visit the home for routine and urgent appointments. As a nursing care home, on-site nurses handle day-to-day clinical care. Ask the home which GP surgery they work with and how specialist referrals are managed.
What is your approach to pain management and end-of-life care?
CQC inspectors rated Dovedale Court as Good for Caring on 13/12/2023. This domain specifically assesses how staff treat residents with compassion and dignity, including during palliative and end-of-life care. Ask the nursing team about their approach to pain management and whether they work with a local hospice or palliative care team.
What is the CQC rating for Dovedale Court?
Dovedale Court in Preston is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission. The most recent inspection was on 13/12/2023. The home has 33 beds.
How many beds does Dovedale Court have?
Dovedale Court has 33 beds and operates as a care home with nursing in Preston.
Location
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Other Care Homes in PR2
More from Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited
- Waterside Court Care Home Wallingford · Good
- Snowdrop Place Care Home Southampton · Requires improvement
- Upton Bay Care Home Poole · Good
Similar Caring for adults under 65 yrs homes
- Hebburn Manor Hebburn · Good
- Waterside Court Care Home Wallingford · Good
- Puddingstone Grange London · Good
Data from the Care Quality Commission, last updated March 2026. View on CQC website → How we use this data