Winsford Care Ltd

Updated 23 February 2021

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 coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 4 February 2021 and was unannounced.

Updated 23 February 2021

Winsford House is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and personal care as a single package under a contractual agreement with the local authority, health authority or the individual, if privately funded. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Winsford House accommodates a maximum of 38 older people, including people who live with dementia or a dementia related condition, in one residential style building which has been adapted for that purpose. Winsford House is a large detached house situated in a quiet residential area in Clacton on Sea and close to all amenities. The premises is set out on two to three floors with each person using the service having their own individual bedroom and adequate communal facilities are

available for people to make use of within the service. At the time of our inspection 33 people were using the service.

At the last inspection on 10 June 2015, the service was rated 'Good'. At this inspection we found the service remained 'Good'.

A registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were protected from the risks of abuse because staff were trained in recognising and reporting any safeguarding concerns. The registered manager checked staff were suitable for their role before they started working at the service and made sure there were enough staff to support people safely.

Risks to people's individual health and wellbeing were identified with the person and their representative and care was planned to minimise the identified risks. The provider and registered manager regularly checked that the premises, essential supplies and equipment were safe for people to use.

Medicines were stored, administered and managed safely. Staff followed best practice guidance to keep the service clean and mitigate the risk of cross infection.

People were cared for and supported by staff who had the skills and training to meet their needs effectively. The atmosphere was warm and happy and visitors told us they were made welcome to the service.

People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet that met their preferences. People were referred to other healthcare services when their health needs changed.

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, relatives and staff felt well cared for. The registered manager and staff understood people's diverse needs and interests and encouraged them to maintain their independence according to their wishes and abilities.

Staff were happy working at the service. People were supported and encouraged to maintain their interests and to socialise in the service and in the local community. Staff respected people's right to privacy and supported people to maintain their dignity.

People and relatives knew the registered manager well and were confident any concerns or issues they raised would be dealt with promptly. People and their relatives were encouraged to share their opinions about the quality of the service.

There was a clear management structure in place. The manager and other senior staff were well respected by people and staff. Staff were positive about the registered manager's leadership, skills and experience to provide a quality service. The service people received was delivered in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.