Ivy Grove

The care home is run by 2 companies; Care UK Community Partnership and Bayfield Court Operations Limited. Both companies have dual registration and are jointly responsible for the services at the home. Care UK has replaced Gracewell Healthcare Limited since the last comprehensive inspection when the care home was known as Gracewell of Chingford.

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

People were kept safe from the risk of harm or abuse. People using the service felt safe with staff at the service and relatives confirmed this was the case. Staff knew how to report concerns of abuse. People had risk assessments in place.

There were enough staff at the service to meet people’s needs and nobody had to wait long for support. Staff were recruited safely. Medicines were managed safely, and people were protected from risks associated with the spread of infection. Accidents and incidents were recorded, and lessons learnt from these shared with staff.

People had assessments before they began to use the service. Staff were supported with appropriate training and supervision. People had a choice of nutritious food and drink and their healthcare needs were met. The building was designed to meet people’s needs and people were involved in decisions about the environment. 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.

Staff were knowledgeable about people and their care needs. People and relatives thought staff were kind and caring. Staff understood how to treat people fairly and equally. The provider involved people and relatives in decision-making around the care people received. People’s privacy and dignity was promoted, and staff understood how to maintain people’s independence.

Care plans were person-centred and staff understood how to deliver personalised care. People’s communication needs were met. There were a variety of activities offered to people inside and outside the service. People and their relatives knew how to make a complaint. Care records documented end of life care wishes so this type of care could be provided when needed.

People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the leadership in the service. Managers and staff understood their role and responsibilities. The provider involved people, relatives and staff in developing the service. People, relatives and staff had regular meetings so they could be updated on changes within the service. The provider had quality assurance systems in place and carried out quality surveys to identify areas for improvement. The provider worked jointly with other agencies to improve outcomes for people.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service under the previous joint providers (Bayfield Court Operations Limited and Gracewell Healthcare Limited) was good published on 31 January 2019.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service. There had been a change in the joint providers where Care UK replaced Gracewell Healthcare Limited. This change in registration took place on 10 December 2021 alongside a change in location name.

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.

Safe arrangements were in place for visitors to the service. Staff ensured visitors had taken a lateral flow test and tested negative for COVID-19.

Visitors were provided with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear such as a face mask. Hand sanitizer was available throughout the home.

Visiting professionals were asked to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status prior to entering the home. All staff coming on shift were required to take a lateral flow test and provide the management team with the result before starting work. Only staff that had a negative test result were permitted to work.

The service was adequately staffed. The provider ensured they were able to cover for staff absences due to COVID-19, and continue to meet people's needs. Isolation procedures were in place to control the spread of infection. People self-isolated in their rooms when necessary.

A regular programme of testing for COVID-19 was in place for people and staff. Policies, procedures and risk assessments related to COVID-19 were up to date which supported staff to keep people safe. The provider kept up to date with government and local guidance on vaccinations, self-isolation, visiting and outbreaks to ensure they were following it correctly.

All staff had completed relevant training in infection control and PPE. We saw staff using PPE correctly and safely. Handwashing guidance was displayed throughout the home and additional PPE was available for staff and visitors. The premises was kept clean at all times to maintain hygiene and help prevent the spread of infections.