We carried out a review of the data available to us about Wavertree House 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 Wavertree House, you can give feedback on this service.
Wavertree House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 36 people. The home provides support to older people who live with a variety of physical health needs, including some people who are without sight. At the time of our inspection, there were 34 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safe at Wavertree House. Systems were in place to prevent people experiencing abuse or neglect and staff were confident in their knowledge of how to recognise the signs of this. Risk assessments identified what support people needed and there was guidance to staff on how to minimise these risks.
Staff were recruited in a safe way, with appropriate checks undertaken. Medicines were managed and administered correctly, and audit processes were effective to identify and address any issues in a timely manner.
People were provided with a variety of meal choices. People spoke positively about the food available and specific dietary requirements were catered for. Many different activities were available for people to participate in. These were based on people’s needs and preferences.
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.
Care plans were person-centred and staff knew people well. There were sufficient, appropriately skilled staff to ensure people’s needs were met effectively. People and their relatives gave us positive feedback about staff being respectful, kind and caring.
The service was well-led and the registered manager was clear about their role and responsibilities. Quality assurance processes were effective in driving improvement. People, staff and relatives were encouraged to give feedback and we saw action taken when changes had been requested.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The service was inspected but not rated on 3 February 2022. The last rating for the service was under the previous provider and was good, published on 28 November 2018.
Why we inspected
This was the first comprehensive inspection under the new ownership. It 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.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Visits were arranged and fulfilled in line with the current Government guidance. Whilst access to the care home was restricted, due to an outbreak of COVID-19, designated people such as essential care givers were supported to visit their loved ones. Measures were taken to minimise risk of infection spread. All visitors were supported to take a lateral flow test upon arrival, with a specific isolated foyer area to wait for the results. They were also asked to complete a questionnaire and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
There was a robust testing regime in place for all who accessed Wavertree House. This included staff, visitors and professionals. The registered manager kept a clear record of tests taken and the results, this allowed them to track the correct use of tests and monitor the supply of kits.
Staff were observed to be wearing correct levels of PPE. They told us that they had plentiful supply available to them and felt safe working in the home.
The home was clean and hygienic. We saw high-touch points, for example, handrails and light switches being cleaning regularly during our visit. A specific housekeeping team were employed to maintain good levels of cleanliness and they used checklists to ensure all tasks were completed consistently.
Staff had undertaken specific infection prevention and control training. The deputy manager regularly did spot-checks on staff practice to ensure safe practice, this included checks on hand-washing and PPE use.
The provider’s infection prevention and control policy was up to date. Regular audits were completed to identify any areas for improvement and action taken to address these if required.