Archived: Northgate House

Updated 5 December 2020

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on specific concerns we had about visiting arrangements, risk management, and support with nutrition and personal care.

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 conducted by one inspector.

Service and service type

Northgate House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a 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, but they had left shortly before our inspection and planned to submit their application to de-register. Being a registered manager 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. The nominated individual for the provider was providing management support at the service until a new manager was appointed.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was announced on the day of the inspection, shortly before our arrival at the home. We telephoned ahead so that we could assess risk in relation to the coronavirus pandemic and ensure safe working arrangements for our visit.

What we did before the inspection

The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. 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. We used all this information to plan the inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with one person who used the service and one visiting social care professional about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff during our site visit including the nominated individual, the office manager, head of care and two care workers. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

We looked at records related to people's care and the management of the service. We viewed care records relating to three people, staff training records and infection control policies and procedures.

After the inspection

We continued to review evidence from the inspection. We spoke to an additional three members of staff over the telephone, including an activities worker, cook and care worker. We called a selection of relatives and friends and spoke to seven over the telephone. We also arranged a further video call with the nominated individual.

Updated 5 December 2020

Northgate House is a residential care home in Market Weighton for older people, including people who are living with dementia. Since our last inspection the provider had built an extension and there had been extensive refurbishment of the building. The registration of the service had been amended to increase the number of people who could be supported at the home to 32. Accommodation was over two floors, with lift access. A secure courtyard area had been created and some bedrooms had direct access to the courtyard.

At our last inspection we rated the service Good overall, but Requires Improvement in the key question: Is the service effective? The was because the service was not meeting legal requirements in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

At this inspection we found the service had made significant improvement in this area and was now meeting legal requirements. The evidence from the inspection continued to support the rating of Good overall and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

This inspection took place on 13 and 20 June 2018 and was unannounced. 29 people were using the service at the time of our inspection.

There was a registered manager in post. People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the management and leadership of the home.

People told us they felt safe living at Northgate House. Risks to people were assessed and managed. There were systems in place to protect people from the risk of harm or abuse. Medicines were stored, administered and recorded safely. The premises were clean and well maintained. The provider took action to address some minor infection control issues we identified on the first day of our inspection.

There were enough staff to respond to people’s needs in a timely manner. Appropriate checks had been undertaken before staff began work to ensure they were suitable to work in a care setting. Staff received an induction, training and supervision to give them the skills and knowledge for their roles.

The provider assessed people's needs in line with best practice. The environment had been planned with consideration of people’s needs. People were supported to receive a varied diet and sufficient to drink. Staff sought advice from healthcare professionals when they had any concerns about people’s health or well-being. This included supporting people to access the GP, community nurses and other specialists, such as the falls team.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Feedback we received from people, relatives and visiting professionals showed us that staff were caring and treated people with dignity and respect. This was corroborated by the observations we made during our inspection. The interactions between staff and people who used the service were warm and friendly.

The provider had introduced a new care planning system and care plans were recorded electronically on this system. Staff also used this system to document the care they provided; this enabled the provider to monitor that the care delivered was in line with people’s needs and preferences. Care plan contained information about people communication needs, but we have made a recommendation about researching and implementing best practice in the provision of accessible information.

Some activities were provided at the home, and the registered manger had plans to increase the range of activities available by working with a local community scheme.

The provider had a complaints policy in place and people told us they would feel comfortable raising any concerns. There was a quality assurance system and audits to identify any issues and drive improvement. Some audits could be developed further to analyse aspects of the service in more detail, such as care records. We also found some policies needed updating and the provider told us they planned to complete a review of all policies and procedures. People, relatives, visiting professionals and staff were asked for their feedback in surveys. Comments in these surveys indicated there was a high level of satisfaction with the service provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.