Merryfields

Updated 19 February 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about the systems in place to reduce the risks to people. 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 undertaken by one inspector.

Service and service type

Merryfields 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.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. Registered managers 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 one-hour notice of our inspection visit. This was to check we would not be hindering any planned COVID-19 vaccinations being carried out and to ask the service for specific information regarding if there were any people using the service who had a positive test for COVID-19 and to ensure we were working within the provider’s procedures for infection control and COVID-19.

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 of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with the registered manager. We reviewed a range of records, including risk assessments and procedures relating to infection control and COVID-19. We checked the service’s infection control and the systems to reduce the risks of the spread of infections, including observing staff wearing personal protective equipment.

After the inspection

We looked at records including infection control and care audits and three people’s care records relating to risks associated with pressure ulcers, falls and nutrition.

Updated 19 February 2021

Merryfields 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. This service does not provide nursing care. Merryfields accommodates up to 20 older people in one adapted building. There were 18 people living in the service when we inspected on 12 March 2018. This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection.

At our last inspection of 21 March 2016, the service was rated Good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good. There was no 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.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons.’ Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service continued to provide a safe service to people. This included systems designed to protect people from abuse and avoidable harm. Staff were available when people needed assistance. The recruitment of staff was done safely. The service was clean and hygienic. People received their medicines safely.

The service continued to provide an effective service to people. People were cared for by staff who were trained and supported to meet their needs. 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. People received care and support to maintain a healthy diet and good health. People were supported to access health professionals where needed. The environment was suitable for the people living there.

The service continued to provide a caring service to people. People had good relationships with the staff. Staff interacted with people in a caring manner. People were consulted about the care and support that they received.

The service continued to provide a responsive service to people. People received care and support which was assessed, planned and delivered to meet their individual needs. People were supported to participate in meaningful activities that interested them. A complaints procedure was in place. There were systems in place to support people at the end of their life.

The service continued to provide a well-led service to people. The service had a quality assurance system to monitor and assess the service provided to people. These systems assisted the registered manager and provide to identify and address shortfalls promptly. As a result, the quality of the service continued to improve.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.