After the inspection we made a compliance action requiring the provider to have systems in place that ensured people's care records were accurate. Following the inspection the provider sent us an action plan telling us what steps they were going to take to make the necessary improvements. During this inspection we found that improvements had been made. The care records were accurate and up to date.
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service and the staff supporting them, and from looking at records.
Is the service safe?
The care records we looked at were not accurate and did not contain enough information to show how people were to be safely supported and cared for.
We have asked the provider to tell us what they are going to do to meet the requirements of the law in relation to ensuring records are accurate
The staff we spoke with showed they had a very good understanding of the needs of the people they were looking after.
People were cared for in a safe, clean environment. Equipment and services within the home had been serviced regularly and maintained in accordance with requirements. Security systems were in place throughout the home to prevent unauthorised access.
Adequate equipment and adaptations were available to promote people's independence and comfort and assist in their safe moving and handling.
Systems were in place to help ensure the manager and staff learnt from events such as accidents and complaints.
Is the service caring?
People looked relaxed and had a friendly rapport with the staff. One of the people we spoke with told us, 'I am very impressed; they were so attentive and kind when I came in, every one of them'.
Is the service effective?
People were assessed by a range of health and social care professionals, either from hospital or from within the community before they were admitted to the home to ensure their individual needs could be met.
We saw that people looked clean, comfortable and well cared for. One of the people we spoke with told us, 'I am quite happy thank you, everything is satisfactory and they are looking after me very well'.
Pressure relieving equipment was in place to aid comfort and help in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
Is the service responsive?
Information in the care records showed the staff at the home involved other health and social care professionals in the care and support of people using the service.
Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that information was passed on when a person was transferred to another service, such as a hospital.
The provider had a clear procedure in place with regards to responding to any complaints and concerns made.
Is the service well led?
The home had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who had the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to manage the service.
There were a number of quality assurance systems in place to ensure people were cared for safely. Feedback was sought from people using the service through comment cards that were readily available in the reception area of the home.
Staff meetings were held regularly to give staff the opportunity to be kept informed, and also express their views, about the service and facilities provided.
We also spoke with two relatives who told us they were actively involved in discussions and decisions about their relative's care and treatment. They told us, 'My relative has improved since being here, it is very good indeed' and 'Excellent, can't fault it'.
Systems were in place to protect people who lacked the capacity to make decisions about their own care and support.
People's care records contained enough information to show how they were to be supported and cared for. They also showed that people gave consent to their care and treatment.
The medication system was safe and people told us they received their medicines when they needed them.
People were cared for by sufficient numbers of staff that were properly trained, supported and supervised.
Comments from people included 'I like it here. They're good to me', '[The care workers] have brought me back to life' and 'Spurr House is commendable and maintains very high standards'.
The home was undergoing a schedule of refurbishment. We saw that the newly refurbished parts of the home were bright and modern. Regular checks were carried out to make sure the environment was safe for the people living there.
Staff told us they felt well supported and had regular meetings with their manager. We saw evidence that their training was up to date.
The people that we spoke to were very complimentary about the service provided. Some of the comments were: 'They look after me well. They always come and check on me to see what I want'. 'I can't grumble. I am well looked after'. 'It's a good place to be. I would be lost without them'. 'Fine, everything is good'.
The people that we spoke to were also complimentary about the staff. Some of the
comments were: 'They are lovely'. 'They can't do enough for you'.