Furze Hill House

Updated 24 February 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on specific concerns we had identified about the management of risks to people and the care environment, and to follow up on the outcomes of a recent coroner inquest.

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. The service had had a recent COVID-19 outbreak, and was nearing the end of their lockdown period.

Inspection team

One inspector.

Service and service type

Furze Hill 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.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We reviewed feedback from the local authority who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. 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 all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with the registered manager, the head of administration whose role includes infection, prevention and control lead, a team leader and the activity lead. We looked at two people’s care and support records including their medicine records. We looked at records relating to the management of the service, policies, training and systems for monitoring quality.

After the inspection

We spoke with two people living at the service, two relatives and the head of house keeping and one care assistant by telephone after the site visit. The service sent us additional policies and documents for review to minimise the amount of time spent on site.

Updated 24 February 2021

Furze Hill House is a service that provides residential care and support for up to 40 older people some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of this inspection the service was full with a waiting list in place. The accommodation is over two purpose built floors that are accessible by a lift. There are a number of communal areas and the service has an accessible garden.

At the last inspection carried out in January 2016, the service was rated Good. At this inspection carried out in November 2017 we found the service remained Good.

Following our last inspection in January 2016, the service had been in breach of Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because the risks associated with medicines administration and management had not been fully mitigated. At this inspection carried out in November 2017 we found that improvements had taken place and that the service was no longer in breach of this Regulation.

Effective processes were in place to help reduce the risk of harm or abuse to people both on an individual basis and collectively. Regular maintenance had taken place on the premises and equipment and adverse events such as the outbreak of fire had been assessed and mitigated. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs on an individual basis who had been suitably recruited.

Staff had received the training and support to deliver appropriate care to people’s assessed needs. Their practice was monitored and staff had the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. People’s nutritional needs were met and they had access to healthcare professionals. 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. The premises had been designed in consideration of those that used it and included clear signage and appropriate decoration.

Staff demonstrated a kind, caring and professional approach to the delivery of care and support. They were respectful towards those that used the service and each other. They supported people to maintain their dignity and independence and confidentiality was preserved. People had been included in the planning of the care they received and staff sought consent before assisting people.

A person centred service was delivered that took into account all aspects of people’s lives. Information had been sought on people’s life histories to help staff build meaningful relationships with them. End of life care was delivered sensitively. The service took complaints seriously and saw them as opportunities to further improve the service.

The service was well organised, well-led and appropriately managed. There was a registered manager in post who had experience, knowledge and understood their responsibilities and accountability. Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service and these were effective at ensuring a good quality service was delivered. People’s feedback and suggestions were consistently sought on the service, listened to and acted upon as appropriate.

Further detailed information can be found in our full report.