Archived: Signature at Esher

Updated 26 April 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 carried out by 2 inspectors 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

Signature at Esher 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. Signature at Esher 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.

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. 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.

During the inspection

We spoke with 6 people who used the service and 5 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We made observations of people being supported. We spoke with 7 members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, care staff and a chef. We reviewed a range of records. This included 8 people's care records and multiple medication records. We looked at 4 staff files in relation to recruitment.

Updated 26 April 2023

About the service

Signature at Esher is a care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 88 older people. At the time of our inspection there were 53 people living at the service. Some people using the service were living with dementia.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People felt safe living at Signature at Esher because they were supported by staff who knew their needs well and knew how to manage risks associated with their care. Staff understood their responsibilities in terms of keeping people safe from abuse and avoidable harm. Action had been taken to reduce the risk of the spread of infection and the provider had ensured practices were updated according to national guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People's needs and choices were assessed and planned for, and their preferences had been considered. Staff were safely recruited and inducted. They had access to training and supervision to ensure they had the skills to support people effectively.

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 were supported by a staff team who knew them well and had the information required to meet their needs. People and relatives were all consistently positive about the staff and the support they received. Staff supported people to access healthcare services as required. Any specialist support was recorded, and actions completed. People enjoyed an active and engaging life at the service. There were a wide range of activities and events which were tailored to people’s needs and preferences. Friends and relatives were welcomed into the service and people were supported to maintain relationships.

The registered manager provided clear direction and positive leadership. There were effective systems to monitor the quality of care provided to people. The registered manager and deputy manager took appropriate action when improvements were needed. People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the management of the service. They felt that Signature at Esher was well led and praised the communication they received from the management team. Healthcare professionals spoke positively about the service and how they met people's needs.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 10 December 2021 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 2 November 2018.

Why we inspected

This inspection 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.