Background to this inspection
Updated
7 April 2021
The inspection
This was a targeted inspection to check whether the provider had met the requirements of the Warning Notice in relation to Regulation 18 of the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009.
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 two inspectors.
Service and service type
Merlin Court 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.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
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.
The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, a housekeeper, a care worker and a receptionist.
We reviewed a range of records. This included incident and accident records, infection prevention and control records and audits and minutes of health and safety meetings.
Updated
7 April 2021
About the service: Merlin Court is a purpose-built residential home for older people, some of whom live with dementia. There are 62 bedrooms and various communal areas including a cinema, hair salon, lounges, café area and dining rooms. At the time of our inspection there were 50 people living at the home.
People’s experience of using this service:
People were not always supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives, as it was not clear if staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The polices and systems in the service did not always support this practice.
People were not being supported by robust safeguarding systems. Not all incidents of alleged abuse had been reported to the local authority. The registered manager had also not submitted notifications to the Care Quality Commission (CQC)when required to do so.
Quality monitoring systems were in place but there were actions that appeared to be still open. We raised this with the registered manager and regional operations manager who told us they would go back over the audits and record the action taken to close the record.
People were supported to take their medicines as prescribed by staff who had been trained and were knowledgeable. Risks to people had been identified and risk management plans were in place to give staff guidance.
People were supported by staff who had been recruited safely. People told us, and we observed there were sufficient numbers of staff available to support them.
People received sufficient food which was of a good quality. People were not always supported to make choices of meal’s effectively. The registered manager said they would address this practice.
People had their needs assessed and a care plan put in place. People’s life story was explored, and information recorded to help staff understand people’s needs and communicate more effectively. People could have visitors without any restrictions. We observed families and friends visiting throughout our inspection. An area was available where they could help themselves to refreshments.
People told us the staff and management were kind, caring and approachable. People were involved in planning their own care and had the opportunity to share their views. People were involved in a ‘residents committee’ which made decisions about things like food and activities.
People were supported and encouraged to take part in group activities but also supported to follow their own interests. Staff developed and maintained good relationships with the local community and encouraged groups to visit the home.
People, relatives and staff told us they thought the service was well-led.
More information is in the detailed findings below.
Rating at last inspection: At our last inspection in October 2016 (report published in October 2016) we rated the service as Good.
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Enforcement: Action we told provider to take can be found at the end of the full report.
Follow up: We will ask the provider to submit an action plan outlining what action they are planning to take and when it will be completed by. We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection schedule. If any information of concern is received, we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk