Updated 24 May 2023
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
This inspection was undertaken by an 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
Abney Court is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Abney Court is a care home which no longer provides nursing care and will be deregistering from this regulated activity. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Registered Manager.
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 last inspection. This included any information of concern and notifications the service is required to submit regarding any significant events happening at the service. We sought feedback from the local authority, professionals who work with the service and Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. 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.
We used information gathered as part of monitoring activity that took place on 14 February 2023 to help plan the inspection and inform our judgements.
During the inspection
We reviewed staffing levels and walked around the building to ensure it was clean and a safe place for people to live. We observed how staff supported people and provided care.
We spoke with 10 people who use the service, 5 relatives, and 19 members of staff, including the registered manager, deputy manager, senior care workers, care workers, and auxiliary staff. We spoke to two health care workers providing support to the intermediate care placements.
We reviewed a range of records including 7 people's care records. We looked at 4 staff files in relation to recruitment, training, and support. We reviewed multiple medicine administration records and looked at medicines related documentation and management arrangements. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were examined.