We carried out a review of the data available to us about Red Oaks Care Community on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Red Oaks Care Community, you can give feedback on this service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Improvement had been made to ensure medicines were administered safely. However, further improvement was required in the management and recording of medicine room and fridge temperatures. Staff did not always follow the providers infection control policy.
Regular safety checks were in place to ensure the premises were safe. Risks for people were assessed and monitored. People were protected from harm and abuse as staff were knowledgeable and had a good understanding how to keep people safe. Enough staff were available to respond to people’s needs in a timely manner. Accident and incidents were investigated, and measures were in place to prevent recurrence.
Staff worked well with other healthcare professionals. Referrals were submitted in a timely manner and we received positive feedback from a healthcare professional on the day of our visit. Care files contained detailed information for staff to support people and provide effective care. People’s needs were assessed, and staff were supported to acquire relevant skills and experience for their roles. People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink and had a calm and enjoyable dining experience. The provider was working towards a refurbishment plan to ensure the building would be maintained to a high standard.
The provider was working in line with the principles of the mental capacity act 2005. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The care people received was tailored to their individual needs. Care plans reflected people’s needs, their preferences and their choices. People were supported to maintain good well-being and reduce the risk of social isolation.
The service had systems in place to monitor and share continuous learning. Management showed leadership and were clear about their role and responsibilities. We received mostly positive feedback about the management of the service from people, families and staff. However, some felt communication could be improved. There was a positive culture throughout the service. Management was open and honest, and worked well with healthcare professionals.
We have made a recommendation in regard to the providers communication and involvement policy.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 21 March 2022).
The provider completed an action plan after the previous inspection published 21 March 2022 to show what they would do and by when to improve.
At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.
Why we inspected
We undertook this focused inspection to check whether the Warning Notice we previously served in relation to Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 had been met. The overall rating for the service has changed following this inspection.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Red Oaks on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.
Red Oaks Care Community is a care home registered to provide personal and nursing care, including to those living with dementia. The service can support up to 40 people, at the time of our inspection 26 people were living at the home all receiving personal care, no one was in receipt of nursing care. Red Oaks Care Community is purpose built and split over two floors with communal areas on each floor and outdoor communal space to the rear.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The provider's quality assurance systems were not always effective in identifying failings or driving improvements. Policies and procedures had not always been followed. Some policies were not specific to the service and included tasks the provider and staff did not perform.
The risks associated with infections spreading were not always managed and guidelines on person protective equipment were not always followed.
Medicines were not always managed safely, and people did not always receive their prescribed medicines on time. Risks associated with people's healthcare needs had not always been assessed and risk reduction measures were either not in place or not followed.
Safeguarding systems and processes were in place and people were protected from the risk of abuse and neglect.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff competently supported people to make decisions about their preferences for end of life care. The service made sure that facilities and support were available for people’s family, friends and other carers, and for staff, before and after a person dies.
People and relatives told us they were happy with the care provided and felt well supported by appropriately trained and caring staff.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was requires improvement (published on 17 December 2020). The service remains rated requires improvement under the new provider.
Why we inspected
This service was registered with us on 21 April 2021 and this is the first inspection under this provider.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively. This included checking the provider was meeting COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
Enforcement
We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.
We have identified breaches in governance and leadership at this inspection.
Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.
Follow up
We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.