Chelmsford Care Centre Ltd

Updated 20 October 2023

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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 completed by 2 inspectors, a bank inspector and an Expert 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

Chelmsford Care Centre is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Chelmsford Care Centre is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post. However, the registered manager was on annual leave and the director for the service was available to support the inspection.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

Inspection activity started on 20 September 2023 and ended on 30 September 2023. We visited the location’s service on 25 September 2023.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and health and social care professionals who work with the service. The provider had not been requested to complete the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 8 people who used the service and 10 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 11 members of staff, which included the care and domestic staff, unit managers, nurses, the clinical lead trainer, and the director of the service.

We reviewed 7 people's care plans and 2 staff recruitment files. We also looked at the service's quality assurance systems, arrangements for managing medicines and staff recruitment and training records. We received information by email from 4 health and social care professionals.

Updated 20 October 2023

Chelmsford Care Centre is a nursing home providing accommodation with nursing care and treatment disease and disorder to up to 70 older people, those with dementia, a physical disability and sensory impairment. At the time of the inspection there were 26 people living at the service, the majority of people were living with dementia. The building was purpose built over 3 floors, but people were accommodated on the ground floor in two units called Garden and Lillibet.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People and their relatives were very positive about using the service and feedback from them was good.

Suitable arrangements were in place to keep people safe. Policies and procedures were followed by staff to safeguard people and staff understood these procedures. Risks to people were identified and managed to prevent people from receiving unsafe care and support.

Medicine arrangements ensured people received their medicines as prescribed. People were protected by the provider's arrangements for the prevention and control of infection.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were recruited safely. Suitable checks were undertaken to ensure the right staff were employed to care for people. Arrangements were in place for learning and making improvements.

Suitable arrangements were in place for staff to receive a robust induction, appropriate training, and regular supervision. People’s dining experience was positive, and their nutrition and hydration needs were met. The service ensured people received appropriate healthcare support from healthcare services. The service worked together with professionals and other organisations to ensure people received coordinated care and support.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were treated with care, kindness, dignity, and respect. People received care and support that met their needs and preferences. Staff had a good knowledge and understanding of people's specific care and support needs, how they wished to be cared for and supported. The rapport between staff and people using the service was positive.

People had a plan of their care describing their specific needs, wishes and preferences. Information about people such as the story of their life, their experiences and personalities had been reviewed and updated.

Activities and events were provided by the staff to meet people’s social and leisure needs and to reduce isolation. Systems were in place to ensure people were cared for at the end of their life.

Complaints were investigated and managed. People and their relatives were involved in people’s care arrangements. Robust systems were in place for the oversight of the service and to monitor the quality of the care provided.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

This service was registered with us on 10 November 2022, and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

The overall rating for the service is good based on the findings of this inspection.