Wynyard Woods

Updated 4 November 2022

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection team was made up of one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Wynyard Woods is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Wynyard Woods is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the provider registered the location with us. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 11 people and 7 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 8 members of staff including the district manager, registered manager, deputy manager, a team leader, an activities champion, the administrator and two care assistants. We also received feedback from 3 other staff members. We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We reviewed documentation, inspected the safety of the premises and carried out observations in communal areas. We reviewed a range of records including 4 people’s care records, medicines records and quality audits. We looked at 2 staff files in relation to recruitment. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were also reviewed.

Updated 4 November 2022

About the service

Wynyard Woods is a care home that provides personal care for up to 50 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 47 people living in the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People felt very safe living in the home and with the support they received from staff. People and relatives spoke highly of the staff and said they were kind and caring. Comments included, “I’m very safe here and looked after extremely well. Everything about it, the whole environment and security is very good” and, “The atmosphere shows caring staff who interact with the residents which is good. There’s nothing I can think of that needs improving. I have been in several homes and this is by far the best one.”

Staff safeguarded people from abuse. Risks to individuals and the environment were well managed. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. The provider learned from accidents and incidents to mitigate future risks. Medicines were safely managed. Infection control processes were embedded into the service and staff followed government guidance in relation to infection control and prevention practices, in particular, relating to COVID-19. A relative said, “Everywhere is kept clean and tidy. There are always cleaners around.”

People’s needs were assessed before they moved into the home and on an ongoing basis. Staff were suitably trained and received regular supervisions. People were supported with their nutritional needs and to access a range of health care professionals. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were well supported and cared for. Staff treated people with respect and supported them in a dignified manner and in line with their wishes. One person told us, “The good thing here is that I get my privacy when I want it or join others should I wish to. We are all treated equally. I would recommend it here.”

People received person-centred care and care plans detailed how they wished to be supported. Staff knew how to effectively communicate with people and communication methods were detailed in care records. People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and any complaints received were fully investigated and actioned. People enjoyed a wide range of activities inside and outside the home.

The home was well managed. People and relatives were complimentary about the home and the care people received. The provider had an effective quality assurance process in place which included regular audits. People, relatives and staff were regularly consulted about the quality of the service through regular communication, surveys, meetings and reviews.

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 this service was good (published 8 February 2020). In May 2021 the provider applied to CQC to make a minor change to their registration. Anchor remains the corporate provider for this service.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

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.