Aughton Park

Updated 10 March 2022

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 28 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service one hours notice of the inspection.

Updated 10 March 2022

Aughton Park 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.

Aughton Park is situated in a residential area of Aughton, Ormskirk. It provides accommodation over two floors for up to 50 adults, who require help with personal care. A separate unit on the first floor is available for those who are living with a dementia related illness. A passenger lift is provided for easy access to the first floor. All bedrooms are of single occupancy with en-suite facilities. Ample car parking spaces are available. A variety of amenities are nearby, such as churches, a corner shop, newsagents, a post office and public houses. Public transport links to surrounding areas are within close proximity.

At the last inspection on 05 March 2015, we rated the service ‘Good’. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good. There was no evidence or information from our inspection or on-going 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.

People we spoke with told us they felt safe living at Aughton Park. We did not identify any areas of risk during our inspection. The premises were safe, well-maintained and clean throughout. Those who lived at the home were protected from abuse and records showed the staff team had received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults.

People who used the service were protected by the robust recruitment practices adopted by the home. This helped to ensure only suitable staff were appointed to work with the vulnerable people who lived at Aughton Park. People who lived at the home and staff members we spoke with said there were enough staff on duty to meet individual needs.

New employees were guided through a detailed induction programme. Staff were regularly monitored through supervision and appraisals and a broad range of training modules were provided. This helped to ensure all staff were supported to gain confidence and knowledge to enable them do the job for which they were appointed.

Medicines were being well managed. Regular medication audits were conducted and associated risk assessments completed. Key staff were provided with relevant medication training and we observed the safe administration of medicines. This helped to protect people from the mismanagement of medications.

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 of the service supported this practice. Comments we received from those who lived at the home included; “Yes, I can do what I want”; “They [staff] ask do you want a wash or a shower. I do feel in control” and “My newspaper comes with whoever brings my breakfast to my bedroom. I can change where I have my breakfast every day if I want to.”

The dining experience was pleasant for those who lived at the home. People told us they enjoyed their meals and had a choice of menu. The registered manager had effective systems to protect people from the risk of malnutrition. One person told us, “The meals are appetising. We have a choice. They are nicely presented, which is important. They [staff] ask if you want more. The portions are very good. Eight out of ten overall. Drinks are topped up all day in my bedroom.”

People looked comfortable and relaxed in the presence of staff members. We observed staff supporting people in a kind and caring manner, ensuring their privacy and dignity was consistently protected. They displayed a friendly and compassionate attitude towards those who lived at the home. People we chatted with spoke highly of the staff team and relatives told us they were involved in every aspect of their loved one’s support and care planning. One person who lived at the home told us, “I haven’t met any member of staff who hasn’t gone out of their way to make me feel at home here. They’re very kind, gentle and caring. The staff are wonderful.”

The needs of people had been thoroughly assessed before a placement at the home was arranged. The information gathered before admission was then used to develop the plans of care, which we found to be detailed and person centred. We observed staff followed the agreed plans in day to day practice. This helped to ensure people received the care and support they needed.

Records showed feedback from those who lived at Aughton Park and their relatives had been actively sought about the quality of service provided. This was underpinned by regular quality audits, in order to monitor everyone’s health, safety and well-being. Regular meetings were held for those who lived at the home, their relatives and the staff team. We found that any concerns identified were dealt with promptly. People we spoke with felt the home was being well-managed.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.