Background to this inspection
Updated
16 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 was completed by two inspectors.
Service and service type
Harcourt Gardens Care Home 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. Harcourt Gardens Care Home is a care home without nursing care. 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. Inspection activity started on 14 September 2022 and ended on 18 October 2022. We visited the service on 14 September 2022 and 4 October 2022.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with 3 people who used the service about their experience of the care provided.
We spoke with 8 members of staff including the registered manager. We reviewed a range of records. This included 3complete care records, 3staff files and records relating to the management of the service. We observed the medicines administration and management process including associated record keeping.
Updated
16 November 2022
Harcourt Gardens Care Home is a residential care home providing accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care to up to 115 people. The service provides support to older people and younger adults, people with a physical disability, sensory impairment and dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 29 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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 told us they felt safe navigating the home and with the staff who supported them. Staff had received training in safeguarding and felt confident using the processes in place to report any concerns. Risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing had been assessed and staff understood how to help keep people safe.
The service was a modern build with a safe, homely environment. However, records used to check equipment and to ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire had not been updated as required.
Medicines were managed and administered safely, with regular checks completed. We were assured the measures taken helped prevention and control of infections.
Staff responded promptly and were attentive to people’s needs. The registered manager monitored staff deployment and ensured enough staff were always on duty. Processes in place ensured safe staff recruitment, with a range pre-employment checks completed.
People received an initial assessment of their needs. Care records included up to date information which showed people’s involvement with their development and reviews. Care provided was personalised and supported people’s preferences and wishes.
People were supported by caring, friendly staff who knew their needs well. People told us staff were skilled in their roles. Staff received required training and checks to ensure they followed best practice guidance.
People’s health needs were being met. The service worked closely with other health professionals and external agencies to support them with their health and wellbeing.
People and staff spoke positively about the management of the service and their openness to
feedback. The manager was approachable, maintained regular communication and
listened to the views of others.
A range of audits and checks were completed to maintain and where required, implement any required improvements.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating
This service was registered with us on 22 December 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
The inspection was prompted in part by notification of an incident following which a person using the service died. This incident is subject to further investigation by CQC as to whether any regulatory action should be taken. As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident. However, the information shared with CQC raised some potential concerns around the process for residents leaving the home unaccompanied. This inspection examined those risks.
We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern. Please see the safe sections of this full report.
Recommendations
We have made a recommendation about the management of fire safety.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.