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.

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 team consisted of one inspector, an inspection manager and two Experts 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

Nightingale House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. the Care Quality Commission (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 CQC. 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

We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because we needed to be sure the registered manager would be available for us to speak with during our inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we held about the service, including details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as abuse or when a person injures themselves or others. We contacted relevant agencies such as the local authority and safeguarding teams. We used all this information to plan our 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.

During the inspection

We spoke with three members of staff including the head of nursing, a dietician and the registered manager.

In addition, we reviewed a range of records. This included seven care plans and risk assessments and other records relating to how the service is run.

After the inspection

We asked the registered manager to send documents to further support how the service was run. We received telephone feedback from 19 relatives of people who used the service. We also received feedback from two external health professionals involved with the service.