Background to this inspection
Updated
29 January 2022
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.
This inspection took place on 20 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours notice of the inspection.
Updated
29 January 2022
About the service
Springbank Nursing Home is a care home providing personal and nursing care to 39 people aged 65 and over, many of whom are living with dementia, at the time of the inspection. The care home can accommodate up to 42 people in one adapted building across two floors.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safe. Effective systems were in place to keep people safe. Risks to people were assessed and reviewed and staff understood how to manage these safely. People’s medicines were stored and administered safely. People were supported by staff who understood how to prevent the spread of infection. Where things went wrong, lessons were learned and action was taken to avoid reoccurrences.
People’s needs were assessed holistically and care was delivered in line with these needs. People were supported by well trained staff with the skills to meet their needs. People were supported to maintain a balanced diet and dietary needs were followed in line with their care plans. People were supported to access healthcare professionals when needed both within the home and the community. People were encouraged to personalise their rooms as they wished. People were asked for consent before receiving support.
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.
People were supported by kind and caring staff who showed empathy and compassion. Staff were passionate about their role. People were supported by staff who encouraged their independence. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity. Staff involved people in making decisions regarding their care, for example food choices.
People and their relatives were involved in pre-assessments and care planning. People’s communication needs were considered and staff communicated with people in a way that complied with the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). People were provided with a varied activities programme and were given the choice as to what they engaged with. A complaints policy was in place that was followed by the registered manager. Complaints were investigated and responded to and action taken where needed. People’s end of life wishes and preferences were discussed and documented. The provider worked alongside the local hospice to provide support to people and their relatives in preparing for the end stage of their lives.
The service was well run. Effective audit systems were in place to check the quality of the service. Trends were identified and analysed and actions were taken to address any concerns identified. People, relatives and staff found the management team to be open and approachable. A person centred ethos was apparent with particularly focus on people’s dignity and engagement in social activities. People and their relatives were involved in residents’ meetings to engage with the service. Staff were involved in team meetings and supervisions and were encouraged to make suggestions to improve the service. The provider had established positive links with other community organisations and healthcare professionals. The registered manager was focused on improving their own knowledge and encouraged staff to engage in further training opportunities to improve care for people.
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 10 May 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.