Background to this inspection
Updated
7 August 2019
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 Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out by 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
Delaheys is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We completed our planning document and reviewed the information we held on the service. This included notifications we had received from the provider about incidents that affect the health, safety and welfare of people supported by the service and previous inspection reports.
We also checked to see if any information concerning the care and welfare of people supported by the home had been received. We contacted the commissioning department who used Delaheys and Healthwatch Lancashire. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. This helped us to gain a balanced overview of what people experienced whilst using the service.
We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.
During the inspection
We spoke about Delaheys with a member of the management team, four people, four relatives and six staff. We also discussed the home with a visiting healthcare professional. We walked around the building to carry out a visual check. We did this to ensure Delaheys was clean, hygienic and a safe place for people to live.
We looked at records related to the management of the service. We did this to ensure the provider had oversight of the home and they could respond to any concerns highlighted or lead Delaheys in ongoing improvements. We checked care records of two people and looked at staffing levels, recruitment procedures and training provision.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at legionella safety and recruitment records.
Updated
7 August 2019
About the service
Delaheys Nursing Home provides personal and nursing care to 23 people aged 65 and over at the time of our inspection. The service can support up to 28 people. Bedrooms comprise of 16 single and six double rooms. Delaheys provides accommodation spread over three floors with lift access. There are sufficient washing and toilet facilities along with a large garden to the rear. There are three lounges and a dining area for people’s choice and comfort. Delaheys Nursing Home will be referred to as Delaheys within this report.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People and relatives told us they felt safe at Delaheys. One person said, “I feel perfectly safe.” Care records held risk assessments intended to mitigate the risk of unsafe or inappropriate care. Staff had training to underpin their skills in preventing abuse or harm and demonstrated a good awareness of reporting procedures.
The management team had implemented an innovative system to keep their workforce updated to good infection control and medication practices. They ensured staff had relevant training, regularly assessed their competency and checked the continued safe management of people’s medication.
People commented staffing levels were sufficient to meet their needs in a timely way. When asked about this one relative stated, “Yes, I do think so, they constantly keep an eye on her.” The provider’s training programme included easy access to guidance to develop a skilled workforce.
People commented the food was very good and they had plenty of choice. A relative said, “From what I have seen the meals are fantastic. They get three courses for lunch and there is plenty to eat.”
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. One staff member explained, “If I was supported by someone who took my independence away by just taking over and making all the decisions I would be mortified.”
People told us staff were supportive, patient and caring. A visitor said, “Yes, I am happy with the care [my friend] receives.” The management team completed a one-page profile for each person to guide staff about how they wished to be supported.
There was a list of planned activities and events on the notice board intended to optimise people’s social stimulation. A relative said, “The activities co-ordinator is so good she is like a “Red Coat” entertainer.”
People said the management team was visible and accessible. One person said, “[The registered manager] comes and sits to talk to me. She is very comforting. I would not swap her”. The provider received commendations from national organisations about care delivery.
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 13 January 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.