Background to this inspection
Updated
12 November 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
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
This inspection was undertaken by one inspector.
Service and service type
The Beeches Nursing Home 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 four people who used the service and one relative about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with nine members of staff including the provider, registered manager, a registered nurse, care workers and the chef. We observed care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the registered manager to validate evidence found. We looked at staffing data and environmental safety documents. We spoke with two further relatives. We sought feedback from the local authority and three health and social care professionals who regularly visit the service.
Updated
12 November 2021
About the service
The Beeches Nursing Home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 40 people aged 65 and over with a range of health needs. At the time of the inspection, there were 28 people living at the home. Accommodation was provided over three floors which were accessible via stairs and a lift which was being upgraded. There was also a large communal area and a secure garden.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safe and well cared for at the home. Staff had a good knowledge of safeguarding, how to recognise abuse and risks, and how to minimise these for people. People told us they were able to discuss any concerns they had openly with staff and management.
Staff were well trained, kind and compassionate. Throughout the inspection we saw warm and friendly interactions between staff and people. Staff knew people well and were respectful of their needs and wishes, promoting independence as much as possible.
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.
The home was clean and tidy, and there was a relaxed atmosphere. There were activities available during the morning and afternoon. People were encouraged to maintain any hobbies and interests they had. Visits were also enabled in line with the current government guidelines. One relative told us, “They have been really good at arranging visits, there’s always something going on and [relative] seems to enjoy it.”
People’s needs were assessed and reviewed regularly. People were involved in decision making regarding their care and were supported to access external professionals, such as opticians, when this was required.
The home was well-led by a registered manager who was visible and active throughout the inspection. A number of audits were undertaken to monitor quality of care and drive improvement. People, relatives and staff were given frequent opportunities to give feedback and felt confident that any concerns would be appropriately addressed.
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 9 April 2019).
Why we inspected
We undertook this inspection as part of a random selection of services rated Good and Outstanding to test the reliability of our new monitoring approach. 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.
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.