• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Brookwood Manor

Overall: Inadequate read more about inspection ratings

Holbrook Hall Park, Little Waldingfield, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 0TH (01787) 736372

Provided and run by:
Blue Ocean Brookwood Limited

All Inspections

28 June 2021

During a routine inspection

About the service

Brookwood Manor is a country manor which has been adapted into a residential care home. It provides personal care for up to 28 people, aged 65 and over and many of whom live with dementia. At the time of inspection, four people were living in the home.

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

People were not always kept safe. This was because the environment was not entirely suitable for people living with dementia. The four remaining people were accommodated on the ground floor. We identified risks relating to ligatures and plastic bags. The environment was not cleaned in line with the cleaning schedules to prevent COVID-19. The garden was unsafe due to an open broken gate, stagnant water feature and loose bricks.

The wider registered environment on the first and second floor was unfit to accommodate people. It was in a state of disrepair, with some areas questionably un-safe. We asked for a schedule of works that was planned to bring this up to standard, but this had not been developed at the time of our visit.

People still did not have access to a usable shaft lift.

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 environment, policies and systems in the service did not support this practice.

There were insufficient staff to support people. Vacancies were not filled. People were supported by a small regular staff team who had completed training to aid them in their role. Staff knew people’s needs well and cared about individual’s wellbeing.

Despite there being no cook meals were well presented and appetising as the interim manager had stepped in to provide a hot meal each day. The latest food hygiene rating was rated level one Major Improvement Necessary.

People did not have access to sufficient sources of meaningful engagement and were at risk of social isolation.

The provider had engaged the services of a consultant. Care plans were improved and care staff were given clear information to support people. Medicine management was generally safe with people getting their medicines as expected.

The service continues to have managers that do not remain long in post and do not register with CQC. This has led to sporadic oversight and inconsistent decision making and action to improve the service.

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)

The last rating for this service was Inadequate (published 15 June 2021).

At this inspection not enough improvement had been made and the provider was still in breach of regulations and remains Inadequate.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating. We needed to ensure people were safe. This inspection was carried out to follow up on action we told the provider to take at the last inspection.

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.

We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvement. Please see the safe and well led sections of this full report. You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Brookwood Manor on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Enforcement

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We have continued to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.

We have identified ongoing breaches in relation to good governance, staffing, complaints management, safe care and treatment and maintenance of the premises at this inspection.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

Follow up

We will closely monitor this service along with our partner agencies. We will request a specific action plan relating to the environment and ensure the provider meets the terms of their registration. We want to understand what the provider will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we will inspect sooner.

The overall rating for this service is ‘Inadequate’ and the service remains in ‘special measures’. We have taken action in line with our enforcement procedures. This means we have begun the process of preventing the provider from operating this service. This will usually lead to cancellation of their registration or to varying the conditions of the registration. We have already placed conditions on the providers registration to prevent the admission of people to the service and to ensure the provider adequately assesses and monitors risks to the service.

For adult social care services, the maximum time for being in special measures will usually be no more than 12 months. If the service has demonstrated improvements when we inspect it. And it is no longer rated as inadequate for any of the five key questions it will no longer be in special measures.

24 May 2021

During an inspection looking at part of the service

About the service

Brookwood Manor is a country manor which has been adapted into a residential care home. It provides personal care for up to 28 people, aged 65 and over and many of whom live with dementia. At the time of inspection, 5 people were living in the home.

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

Since our last inspection of the service 17 people have left or found alternative accommodation with the support of the local authority. The remaining people have all been accommodated on the ground floor. This action has enabled people to be safer than we previously found because staff were more visible and frail people living with dementia did not have access to the staircases.

The shaft lift had been condemned and the weights removed so it could not be used. This meant that people could not access floors one and two. The lack of maintenance of the shaft lift means that people could not access any bathing facilities. There was no usable bathing or shower facilities on the ground floor.

Previously we reported that people had to endure times when the heating had failed or been ineffective. The reliability of heating was still in question as it had failed again but had been remedied quicker this time. On our visit all parts of the home were warm.

The provider continued not to have a registered manager in place. However, the same manager on a short-term contract from our last inspection was still in post. For people this meant they had someone in charge who was competent and had got to know them and their needs.

We were more assured the provider was doing all that was practical to ensure people were protected from the risks of acquiring infections, including COVID-19. The service was more consistently following Government guidance about how to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, this included the wearing of personal protective equipment [PPE], cleaning regimes, social distancing and ensuring staff were provided with designated areas for putting on and taking off their PPE.

Risks to people’s health, welfare and safety had improved with action taken to reduce the risk of harm. This included the risks to people in the event of a fire, acquiring infections, legionella risks, risks to people of scalding from exposure to hot water pipes and unguarded radiators and risks of falls.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Inadequate. (Published 12 February 2021). A targeted inspection was completed on 9 March 2021.

At our previous inspection in December 2020, we found shortfalls in the management of risk to people’s safety and welfare, staff and governance of the service. The service was rated inadequate and placed in special measures.

We have been monitoring closely and liaising with partner agencies. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found degrees of improvements had been made.

Why we inspected

We undertook this targeted inspection to follow up on specific concerns relating to health and safety such as access to a shaft lift, bathing facilities and risk of infection including Legionella and COVID-19. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

CQC have introduced targeted inspections to follow up on Warning Notices or to check specific concerns. They do not look at an entire key question, only the part of the key question we are specifically concerned about. Targeted inspections do not change the rating from the previous inspection. This is because they do not assess all areas of a key question.

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 coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.

We found evidence during this inspection that people were at potential risk of harm. Please see the safe section of this full report.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Brookwood Manor on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Enforcement

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection.

We will continue to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.

We have identified continued breaches in relation to safe care and treatment. Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

Follow up

We will meet with the provider following this report being published to discuss how they will make changes to ensure they improve their rating to at least good. We will work with the local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

Special Measures

The overall rating for this service remains ‘Inadequate’ and the service remains in ‘special measures’. This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider’s registration, we will re-inspect within 6 months to check for significant improvements.

If the provider has not made enough improvement within this timeframe. And there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall rating, we will act in line with our enforcement procedures. This will mean we will begin the process of preventing the provider from operating this service. This will usually lead to cancellation of their registration or to varying the conditions the registration.

For adult social care services, the maximum time for being in special measures will usually be no more than 12 months. If the service has demonstrated improvements when we inspect it and it is no longer rated as inadequate for any of the five key questions it will no longer be in special measures.

8 December 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

About the service

Brookwood Manor is a residential care home providing personal care to 27 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection, in an adapted country manor. The service can support up to 28 people, many of whom live with dementia.

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

The service had no registered manager and no manager in post. There was a lack of managerial oversight at the service, which lead to risks to people not being acted on or reduced adequately. The provider’s monitoring system did not look effectively at processes throughout the service and did not identify where there were issues. Therefore, incidents continued to occur and place people at risk.

Safeguarding referrals were not made to the local authority safeguarding team and the deputy manager did not recognise when this was required. Risks to people were not managed safely. People were at risk of suffering harm from aggressive behaviour from other people living at the service. This risk was increased because staff did not have guidance about managing behaviour that challenged. Incidents of aggression were not reported to the appropriate authorities and this led to continued harm. Fire evacuation practices were not safe; fire doors were propped open, not enough staff had received up to date training and there were not enough staff to safely evacuate people at night. There were not enough staff available to make sure people were safe from harm. There was low staff morale and not enough staff to take adequate actions to reduce risks.

Infection prevention and control practices did not ensure the service was clean and hygienic. Lessons were not learned about accidents and incidents. Actions and other solutions to reduce these had not been identified.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

The service met the characteristics of Inadequate in two areas; more information is in the full report.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 4 February 2020).

Why we inspected

We received concerns in relation to environmental risks, reduced staffing levels, unhygienic flooring, lack of infection control measures to reduce risk of transmission of infection, and a lack of a manager. As a result, we undertook a focused inspection to review the key questions of safe and well-led only.

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 coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.

We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvement. Please see the safe and well-led sections of this full report.

We asked the provider how they intended to improve following our visit to the service. They provided enough information to assure us they would take action in response to our most urgent concerns.

We reviewed the information we held about the service. Ratings from previous comprehensive inspections for those key questions were used in calculating the overall rating at this inspection.

The overall rating for the service has changed from good to inadequate. This is based on the findings at this inspection.

Enforcement

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.

We have identified breaches in relation to keeping people safe from harm, managing risks, safe staffing levels and provider oversight of the service at this inspection. We also identified a breach of the need to notify CQC of events.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

Follow up

We will meet with the provider following this report being published to discuss how they will make changes to ensure they improve their rating to at least good. We will work with the local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

The overall rating for this service is ‘Inadequate’ and the service is therefore in ‘special measures’. This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider’s registration, we will re-inspect within 6 months to check for significant improvements.

If the provider has not made enough improvement within this timeframe. And there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall rating, we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures. This will mean we will begin the process of preventing the provider from operating this service. This will usually lead to cancellation of their registration or to varying the conditions the registration.

For adult social care services, the maximum time for being in special measures will usually be no more than 12 months. If the service has demonstrated improvements when we inspect it. And it is no longer rated as inadequate for any of the five key questions it will no longer be in special measures.

2 March 2021

During an inspection looking at part of the service

About the service

Brookwood Manor is a country manor which has been adapted into a residential care home. It provides personal care for up to 28 people, aged 65 and over and many of whom live with dementia. At the time of inspection, 22 people were living in the home.

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

We found continued shortfalls in the oversight and governance of the service. The leadership and culture of the home failed to identify significant shortfalls in the management of the service. These failings placed people using the service at risk of harm, and significant exposure to the risk of harm.

The provider continued not to have a registered manager in place. On day one of our visit we found the chair of the company that owned the service had stepped in three days previously as manager. A manager from an agency came for seven days and then was replaced by another manager on a short-term contract.

There was a lack of consistent managerial oversight at the service, which led to risks to people not being identified, acted on or reduced adequately. The provider’s risk management remained ineffective, and did not identify where there were serious risk issues. Therefore, incidents continued to occur and place people at risk of harm.

We were not assured the provider was doing all that was practical to ensure people were protected from the risks of acquiring infections, including COVID-19. The service was not consistently following Government guidance about how to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, this included the wearing of personal protective equipment [PPE], cleaning regimes, social distancing and ensuring staff were provided with designated areas for putting on and taking off their PPE. On both days of our visit we found discarded PPE and used lateral flow tests. Some PPE was readily available to staff, but not masks nor face shields/goggles when required.

Risks to people’s health, welfare and safety continued not to be identified with action taken to reduce the risk of harm. Audits did not identify the shortfalls we found as part of this inspection, and there continued to be a lack of effective quality and safety monitoring in place to drive improvements needed. This included the risks to people in the event of a fire, acquiring infections, legionella risks, risks to people of scalding from exposure to hot water pipes and unguarded radiators, risks of falls and of losing weight.

People had to endure times when the heating had failed or been ineffective since our last visit in December 2020. On day one of our visit most parts of the home were warm. However, exposed radiators and pipes posed a significant scald risk to vulnerable elderly people living with dementia. Even after we fed back these issues, they remained on day two.

The provider did not follow their own policy in the management of people’s medicines when needing to be administered covertly.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Inadequate. (Published 12 February 2021).

At our previous inspection in December 2020, we found shortfalls in the management of risk to people’s safety and welfare, staff and governance of the service. The service was rated inadequate and placed in special measures.

We have been monitoring closely and liaising with partner agencies.

Why we inspected

We undertook this targeted inspection to follow up on specific concerns which we had received about the service. The inspection was prompted in response to concerns received about management of the service, and infection control risks. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

CQC have introduced targeted inspections to follow up on Warning Notices or to check specific concerns. They do not look at an entire key question, only the part of the key question we are specifically concerned about. Targeted inspections do not change the rating from the previous inspection. This is because they do not assess all areas of a key question.

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 coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.

We found evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from these concerns. Please see the safe and well led section of this full report.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Brookwood Manor on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Enforcement

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection.

We will continue to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.

We have identified continued breaches in relation to safe care and treatment, governance, staffing and safe recruitment. Immediately after the inspection we wrote to the provider and requested they provide us with urgent information telling us what they were going to do regarding safe care, the management of risks, infection control and ineffective governance arrangements.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

Follow up

We will meet with the provider following this report being published to discuss how they will make changes to ensure they improve their rating to at least good. We will work with the local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

Special Measures

The overall rating for this service remains ‘Inadequate’ and the service remains in ‘special measures’. This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider’s registration, we will re-inspect within 6 months to check for significant improvements.

If the provider has not made enough improvement within this timeframe. And there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall rating, we will act in line with our enforcement procedures. This will mean we will begin the process of preventing the provider from operating this service. This will usually lead to cancellation of their registration or to varying the conditions the registration.

For adult social care services, the maximum time for being in special measures will usually be no more than 12 months. If the service has demonstrated improvements when we inspect it. And it is no longer rated as inadequate for any of the five key questions it will no longer be in special measures.

6 January 2020

During a routine inspection

About the service

Brookwood Manor can accommodate up to 28 people and there were 26 people using the service on the day of our inspection. The service supports older people some of whom are living with dementia. The service is based over three floors.

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

All staff had received training in safeguarding people. Each person had a care plan containing their risk assessments. Staff were aware of people’s needs and how to support them. This included recorded information in the care plans regarding people’s prescribed medicines and staff had received training in the administration of medicines. Staff were recruited through a robust recruiting procedure. Staff were given supervision and on-going support including a yearly appraisal and training including training in end of life care.

People’s care plans recorded information about support provided by other professionals and when appointments had been made for them by the staff with their permission. Staff recorded when necessary how they had supported people to have enough to eat and drink of their choice. 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 told us that their personal care and support was provided in a way which maintained their privacy and dignity. Relatives spoke positively about the way staff treated and provided care to the people using the service. Staff demonstrated a good knowledge and understanding of the people they cared for and supported, such as people with a diagnosis of diabetes or dementia.

The registered manager carried out an assessment of people’s needs before they commenced using the service. From this information a care plan was written which was reviewed each month or sooner should the need arise. The service had a complaints process and we saw that complaints were recorded and responded to in line with the recorded procedure. Since our last inspection, the service had increased the activity staff and this meant staff were supporting people to visit the local town on organised outings.

Senior staff carried out a monthly audit of the service activities to identify any issues that needed attention. Senior staff also worked closely with other professionals to determine the care that the people living at Brookwood Manor required.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 17 June 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

21 March 2017

During a routine inspection

This inspection took place on 21 March 2017 and was unannounced. The service is a care home without nursing care and is registered to provide accommodation for up to 28 people. There were 26 people living at the service on the day of our unannounced visit and two of those people were in hospital.

The manager had been in post for nine weeks at the time of our inspection and had commenced the registration process. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People who used the service and their relatives felt the service was safe.. There were systems and processes in place to minimise the risk of abuse and staff were very clear about their role in safeguarding people from harm. There was a culture of transparency and people were encouraged to whistle blow on poor practice.

The manager analysed falls so that action could be taken to avoid future falls where possible. The directors of the service had put in place systems for maintaining the building and ensuring there were regular fire safety checks. There were processes in place for the safe recruitment of staff and there were enough staff to provide the care to meet people’s needs. There were effective, organised systems in place for the safe handling of medicines.

There was induction and on-going training in place for the staff, as well as planned supervision and appraisals. People's rights were protected because staff acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The principles of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were understood and applied correctly and the team were committed to ensuring that people were supported in the least restrictive way possible.

People were supported to eat and drink sufficient amounts and were encouraged with regard to their capacity to make choices about food and drink and provide feedback. People received effective healthcare support from a range of external healthcare professionals

People were supported by caring staff that knew them well. The service had a person centred culture focussed upon supporting people to meet their assessed needs. Many people living at the service had a diagnosis of dementia and staff had been given additional training in dementia awareness. People's rights to privacy and dignity were valued and respected.

Each person had a care plan written from an assessment of their needs. Relatives were encouraged to provide feedback on the service and felt they could raise concerns. Complaints were taken seriously, investigated and responded to with understanding.

Robust and frequent quality assurance processes by the directors were in place regarding the safety and quality of the service. The manager and deputy once established in post would take on more of these responsibilities. Regular evaluations took place to ensure that the service had a positive impact on the lives of the people living at the service.

3 May 2016

During a routine inspection

The inspection took place on 3 May and was unannounced. The Service provides accommodation and personal care for up to 28 older people, some have a diagnosis of dementia. On the day of our inspection there were 26 people using the service.

The manager of the service was seeking registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and was being supported by the current registered manager who has become the operational manager for this and other services for the provider.

A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Commission 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were protected from the risk of abuse as staff had attended training so that they had a knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard people, if they suspected abuse was happening. The manager had shared information with the local authority when needed.

The people using the service were supported by a sufficient number of staff. The provider had ensured appropriate recruitment checks were carried out on staff before they started work. Staff had been recruited safely and had the skills to provide care and support in ways that people preferred.

The provider had systems in place to manage medicines and people were supported to take their prescribed medicines safely.

The service was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Appropriate mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions had been undertaken by relevant professionals. This ensured that the decision was taken in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, DoLS and associated Codes of Practice. The Act, Safeguards and Codes of Practice were in place to protect the rights of adults by ensuring that if there is a need for restrictions on their freedom and liberty these were assessed and decided by appropriately trained professionals. People at the service were subject to the DoLS. Staff had been trained and had a good understanding of the requirements of the MCA and DoLS.

We saw that positive and caring relationships had been developed between people and staff. All staff in the afternoon took a drink with the people using the service. This was an opportunity to talk and discuss any issues and was referred to as butterfly time. Staff responded to people’s needs in a compassionate and caring manner. People were supported to make day to day decisions and were treated with dignity and respect at all times. People were given choices in their daily routines and their privacy and dignity was respected.

Staff knew people well and were trained, skilled and competent in meeting people’s needs. Staff were supported with supervision, annual appraisals, staff meetings and training. People, where able, were involved in the planning and reviewing of their care and support.

People’s health needs were managed appropriately with input from relevant health care professionals. People were supported to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet and sufficient fluid intake to maintain good health. The service provided meals over two sittings so that staff could support and focus upon people’s nutritional needs. Staff ensured that people’s health needs were effectively monitored.

People were supported to maintain relationships with friends and family so that they were not socially isolated. The service used the services of an advocate. There was an open culture and staff were supported to provide care that was centred on the individual. The manager was open and approachable and enabled people who used the service to express their views.

Before any person used the service, an assessment of their needs was completed to determine that the service would be able to support them.

People were supported to report any concerns or complaints and they felt they would be taken seriously. People, who used the service, or their representatives, were encouraged to be involved in decisions about the service. The provider had systems in place to check the quality of the service and take the views and concerns of people and their relatives into account to make improvements to the service. As well as visits and monitoring checks by the operational manager the service also used an independent consultant to visit the service occasionally and provide advice.

6 August 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We spoke with seven people who used the service, looked at 13 care records and spoke with two relatives, the provider, manager and four members of staff. We viewed the staff rotas, infection control procedures and quality monitoring systems. We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask; Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well-led?

This is a summary of what we found;

Is the service safe?

When we arrived at the service we were greeted, our identifications were noted and we were asked to sign in the visitor's book. This meant that the appropriate actions were taken to ensure that the people who used the service were protected from others who did not have the right to access their home.

We saw the staff rota and dependency levels assessment which showed that the service assessed people's needs to ensure that there were sufficient numbers of staff to meet their needs.

We reviewed staffing records regarding The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 in relation to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and saw this training was up to date. The CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. We saw that the service had made the appropriate applications and correct policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit. This meant that people were not unlawfully deprived of their liberty.

Is the service effective?

There were systems in place regarding infection control and monitoring care plans which ensured effective organisation in the delivery of care.

People's care records showed that care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. The records were reviewed monthly and updated appropriately which meant that staff were provided with up to date information about how people's needs were to be met.

Is the service caring?

We saw that the staff interacted with people who lived in the service in a caring, respectful and professional manner. One person told us, 'The meals are lovely and staff always ask if you have had enough to eat.' The activities team had devised activities in regard to individual needs and also group activities. During our inspection we saw people who used the service engaged in a range of activities.

Is the service responsive?

The service had an effective complaints procedure in place. The service had implemented an action plan as a result of our last inspection regarding improvements to the laundry, sluice and infection control requirements. This ensured people received safe and appropriate care.

Is the service well-led?

The service had worked with people who used the service and their families to record personal information about the people's life histories. We saw memory boxes outside people's rooms and also military uniforms, jockey outfits and wedding dresses to remind people of their past professions. This also helped people to locate their room. We saw that some flooring had been replaced as well as all of the windows and many rooms had been redecorated and had new furniture. The service had worked well with other organisations including the DoLS team.

4 April 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask;

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well-led?

This inspection was carried out to assess what the provider had done in response to the action we had told them to take following our last inspection. This was in relation to the safe management of medicines.

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

We found the service was safe because people were protected against the risks associated with medicines. We found the provider had improved arrangements for the administration and recording of medicines. We found medicines were stored safely for the protection of people who used the service. We found that medication records were in good order, provided an account of medicines used and demonstrated that people received their medicines as prescribed. We found that that suitable arrangements were in place to identify and resolve any medication errors promptly.

On this inspection we did not speak with anyone who used the service about the way their medicines were managed.

13 March 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

This was a follow up inspection because during our inspections on 29 April 2013, 07 May 2013 and 09 December 2013 we found the service was not meeting certain standards of care. This was in relation to infection control, safety and suitability of premises and care and welfare of people who used the service.

During this inspection on 13 March 2014 we looked at seven people's care records, spoke with staff and the manager of the service, spoke with two relatives and completed a Short Observation Framework for Inspection (SOFI).

We found evidence that people were respected and involved in their care. We saw good interactions between staff and people who used the service. We observed people smiling and found that they were provided with a range of activities and opportunities, which promoted their independence and community involvement. We noted that the service had made improvements in relation to mealtimes. The service offered two meal sittings at lunchtime opposed to one previously. We saw that this increased staff availability and meant that people's needs could be met in a timely way during mealtimes.

We found that the service had made improvements in relation to ensuring people's care and welfare. We were assured that people's needs were assessed and that their care plans reflected their individual needs. We observed care being delivered in line with people's needs.

We were assured that the provider had taken appropriate steps in relation to the safety and suitability of the premises. The environment was found to be suitably designed and adequately maintained. We observed that bathrooms and toilets were in a good state of repair, the lift was functioning and areas that posed risk to people living with dementia were locked and not accessible to them.

During our inspection we found that people's rooms and communal areas were clean. However we also found that appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene were not being maintained specifically in the sluice on the second floor and the laundry room. There were not effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We have asked the provider to take action.

9 December 2013

During a routine inspection

As part of this inspection we spoke with three people who used the service, five care staff, the head of care and the manager. One person told us that they liked living at Brookwood Manor because they 'Didn't have to do their shopping and cooking anymore.' Another person told us that they liked 'Spending time in their bedroom because it was quieter.'

We found that there were not suitable arrangements in place to ensure that people's dignity was maintained, especially at mealtimes. We noted that there needed to be improvements made in order to promote people's rights to independence and personal choice.

We saw evidence that care provided to people did not meet their individual needs; we found evidence that people's care had not been managed in a way that protected them from the risk of harm or further decline in their health or wellbeing.

We saw that the provider had improved the systems that monitored people's dietary and fluid intake.

There were several areas within the environment that still required improvement in order to ensure that the place in which people live is safe, homely and well maintained.

We found that the provider had improved staffing levels since the last inspection was carried out which meant people were supported by adequate levels of staffing during the day and the night times.

30 January 2014

During an inspection in response to concerns

On this inspection we were not able to talk with anyone who used the service about the way their medicines were managed. People were not protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider did not have appropriate arrangements in place for the administration and recording of medicines.

6 November 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We saw that there had been an improvement in recording information which ensured people were protected from the risk of malnutrition and dehydration. The recording of people's weights had improved and audits provided evidence that confirmed each person who used the service was weighed regularly.

People told us that the staff were kind and caring and one person told us that "I like fish and chips and like having a good sing song with the staff." Another person told us that "They felt safe because the staff were kind and cared for them."

The provider had ensured that staff employed were well led by the appointment of a new manager. We saw training records that confirmed staff had been provided with the appropriate training to carry out their role effectively.

We found that people's weights and fluid intake records were now accurately maintained and all records seen had been reviewed daily. We saw that health and safety records were up to date which included all fire records.

21 August and 5 September 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We spoke with four people who used the service, the provider, the manager, one relative and five staff members as part of this inspection. Two people who used the service told us that they were happy with the support they received and that they felt safe. One person told us that response times to call bells had improved. Another person told us that they would like to go out in the garden more often.

We found that the systems for assessing and reviewing the quality of the service had improved and that regular audits were now completed.

There were several areas within the environment that require improvement in order to ensure that the place in which people live is safe, homely and well maintained.

We found that the service was not maintaining accurate records that related to the care and welfare of the people who used the service. There was a lack of information provided within some records that could place people at risk of harm and compromise their health and safety.

29 April and 7 May 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We found that people's dignity and independence were not always respected. We observed people becoming distressed when they were unable to access their bedrooms which were locked. One person told us, 'I don't know why I don't have a key for my room; nobody has ever asked me.'

We saw evidence that care provided to people did not meet their individual needs; we found evidence that people's care had not been managed in a way that protected them from the risk of harm or further decline in their health or wellbeing.

We found that key information in the records such as risk assessments were not accurate and key documents were missing from the care plans to support people's needs.

We found that people were not assessed appropriately in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DOLS.)

People were not protected from the risk of malnutrition and unplanned weight loss was not managed appropriately.

Although staff were supervised, there was insufficient numbers of staff on duty to support the needs of people who used the service.

We found that there were inadequate systems in place to monitor and review the service provided. Auditing tools to monitor staffing levels, care plans and staff rotas had not been completed.

14 February 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We found that staff were aware of procedures related to safeguarding of vulnerable adults. We saw there were displays of information and documents for staff to refer to if they suspected abuse. We found that staff knew how to report any concerns to more senior staff or to the local safeguarding authority. Information was also displayed to inform visitors about actions they might take if they suspected abuse of vulnerable adults.

9, 13 November 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

This was a follow up inspection to check that actions had been taken to improve this service. We found that the provider had implemented the following improvements. New equipment such as furniture and linen had been obtained. Care records had been revised to include consent from people and their relatives to the plan of care. People had opportunities for different activities designed to meet their individual interests and abilities. People had been involved in designing the notices for their bedroom doors. The corridors had been refurbished and were well lit.

The provider had not made suitable arrangements to ensure that staff had appropriate guidance to report suspected abuse. We had made this a compliance action previously and therefore we will escalate and follow our enforcement pathways to seek compliance and protection for people who use this service.

We found that care was not always provided in a way that met the needs of individuals. We found that people who were immobile in their rooms could be at risk of social isolation, increased confusion, or at risk of injury due to delayed response time of staff as doors were locked to prevent other people wandering in.

There were not sufficient staff to safeguard the health safety and welfare of service users. We also found that staff had not been supported by supervision sessions. There was a lack of training in how to deal with behaviour that may be challenging in people with dementia.

9 July 2012

During an inspection in response to concerns

The majority of people were unable to communicate their views verbally. We were able to observe people's non verbal communication cues to inform us that people appeared relaxed and at ease with the staff who were supporting them.

One person stated that "Its nice here and the staff care for me well."

One person told us that they were "Quite happy and that the food was good. Another person told us that they would "Like to go out more and help in the garden."

We spoke to people about the environment. Several people we spoke with told us that the environment had been decorated recently. One person told us that they liked their room and had been able to bring some personal items in to make it feel familiar to them.

11 May 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Although the majority of people were unable to communicate their views verbally, we were able to observe people's non verbal communication cue's to inform us that people were relaxed and at ease with the staff who were supporting them. However one person we spoke to was able to tell us that they thought that the service was clean and tidy. Another person we spoke to stated the service was a "100 percent better than it was last year."

During our visit to the service we saw that care workers interacted with people in a caring, respectful and professional manner and people who used the service were given appropriate information and support regarding their care or treatment.

Two people were able to tell us that they found the staff "Wonderful and that nothing was too much trouble". Another person confirmed that the staff were kind and caring and they "Knew what they were doing".

12 August 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

We spoke with four people who use the service including relatives who were visiting, and they told us they were happy with the care, treatment and support they receive and are involved in making decisions about their care.

We spoke with one person and asked them if they had been involved in the development of their care plan. They told us they had sat with a staff member and told them about their life history, experiences and listed personal choices and preferences including 'what I like and what I don't like to do'.

People we spoke with were aware of the refurbishment work at the home and were looking forward to the 'homes revamp'.

We asked people about the food in the home and the choices available, one person told us the 'porridge is very good; they give me things I like and know what I don't like to eat'. Another person told us they like the food and was looking forward to today's lunch of fish and chips as 'the fish and chips are good here'.

We asked people if they were not happy about their care or treatment what they would do and people told us they would speak to the staff or the manager.

One person told us the 'staff and manager are very approachable'. Another person told us they had no reason to complain about the service but 'knew what to do if they had to and were not afraid to do so'.