Blackberry Hill

Updated 17 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 the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 03 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 17 February 2021

Blackberry Hill is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Blackberry Hill accommodates up to10 people who have a learning disability. Most people are non verbal and all need 24 hour support. They live in a two storey house which includes a purpose built extension. There were nine people using the service at the time of this inspection.

At the last inspection in April 2015 the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Why the service is rated Good:

People were safe at the service because individual and general risks were assessed and managed with as little restriction to the person as possible. Recruitment, staffing, medicine management, infection control and upkeep of the premises protected people from unsafe situations and harm.

Staff understood their responsibilities to protect people from abuse and discrimination. They knew to report any concerns and ensure action was taken. The registered manager worked appropriately with the local authority safeguarding adults team to protect people.

Staff were trained and supported to be skilled and efficient in the roles. They were very happy about the level of training and support they received and showed competence when supporting people.

People’s legal rights were understood and upheld. People’s health care needs were met.

The premises provided people with a variety of spaces for their use with relevant adaptation to meet their needs. Bedrooms were very individual and age and gender appropriate.

Staff promoted people’s dignity and privacy. Through listening to people’s views, using person specific communication methods and the staff commitment to the people in their care, the service was centred on each individual. Staff were kind and caring and people using the service were happy to return to Blackberry Hill following a period away from the home.

Support plans were detailed and reviewed with the person when possible, staff who support the person, external professionals and family members. Staff looked to identify best practise and use this to people’s benefit. Staff worked with and took advice from health care professionals.

People had a variety of internal activities (such as music therapy) and external activities which they enjoyed on a regular basis. An advocate said, “There are lots of meaningful activities and staff are responsive to individual needs. They know (the person’s) needs well”.

The registered manager ran a well organised service. People’s views were sought and opportunities taken to improve the service. Staff were supervised, supported and clear what was expected of them. Audits and checks were carried out in-house and through the provider so any problem could be identified and rectified.

The registered manager understood and met their legal responsibilities.