Updated 9 June 2021
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 Care Act 2014.
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 carried out by two inspectors, a specialist advisor, and two experts by experience. A specialist advisor is a person with professional expertise in care and/or nursing. 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
Newton House 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.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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. At the time of our inspection the registered manager was no longer working at the service but had not yet deregistered. A new manager was in post and in the process of applying for their registration.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with four people using the service, 17 relatives, the manager, the deputy manager, three nurses, and four care workers. We also spoke with members of the service's senior management team consisting of the senior regional director, the clinical development nurse, and the manager’s mentor (a registered manager at another of the provider’s services).
We reviewed a range of records including people’s care records and a sample of medicines records. We also looked at records relating to the management of the service including audits, policies and procedures, and infection control documentation.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.