We carried out a review of the data available to us about Neale Court on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Neale Court, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
There was clear information and guidance on managing COVID-19 visible to staff, residents and any visitors coming into the service. Visitors were screened before entry, a screening questionnaire was completed along with regular testing, temperature checks and COVID-19 vaccination status were confirmed before people entered the service.
People using the service were supported to have regular visits from their family or friends. Visiting procedures were in place in line with government guidelines. Visitors were supported to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
There were adequate PPE supplies in place at various key areas in the service to ensure safe infection prevention and control practices were undertaken. There was a cleaning programme in place and the service was visibly clean and well maintained.
The provider had ensured staff were skilled in infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This included up to date training on infection control and 'Donning and Doffing', (how to put on and remove) PPE. There was a testing programme in place for staff and people living in the service. This was to ensure any staff or people who had contracted COVID-19 and were asymptomatic, were identified in a timely way.
Clear systems were in place to shield and isolate people should outbreaks occur. People admitted to the service were supported in line with government guidance on managing new admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Neal Court is a residential care home that was providing accommodation and personal care to 20 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 23 people.
The service was provided in purpose built accommodation arranged over two floors. It consisted of 23 self contained flats with en-suite bathrooms and a small kitchenette, in addition to a living and sleeping area.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they were happy with the service they received. They spoke of the homely feel and happy atmosphere. One person said, “I don’t regret coming here for a minute. This, to me is home and we are well looked after.” Staff were caring and we observed kind interactions with people using the service. People knew the staff well and by their names.
Processes were in place to protect people from avoidable harm and abuse. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in relation to this and were clear about the way to escalate any concerns they identified. When accidents or incidents occurred, learning was identified to reduce the risk of them happening again. Sufficient staff were available to provide a timely response to people and provide safe care. People received their medicines as prescribed and medicines were managed safely.
People continued to receive effective care. Staff received training relevant to their roles and had regular supervision and an annual appraisal. People had access to healthcare services when required. 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. Consent to care was gained in line with legislation.
Staff were responsive to people’s individual needs and wishes and the service was provided flexibly. People were involved as much as possible in decisions about their care. People had access to a range of activities based on their preferences in the home and in the local community.
The service continued to be well led. There was clear leadership and people told us they could speak with staff or the manager if there were issues. Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service and the care provided and actions were taken to continuously 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
The last rating for this service was Good (published 1 July 2017)
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Neale Court is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 23 older people or people living with dementia. There were 21 people living at the service on the day of our inspection.
There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The Care Quality Commission is required by law to monitor how a provider applies the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and to report on what we find. DoLS are in place to protect people where they do not have capacity to make decisions and where it is considered necessary to restrict their freedom in some way. This is usually to protect them. The management and staff understood their responsibility and made appropriate referrals for assessment. Five people at the time of our inspection were in the process of having a DoLS authorisation granted.
Staff undertook appropriate risk assessments for all aspects of a person’s care to keep them safe from harm. Care plans were developed to support people’s individual needs. Staff knew what action to take and who to report to if they were concerned about the safety and welfare of the people in their care. People received their prescribed medicine safely from staff that were competent to do so. The registered provider ensured that there were always sufficient numbers of staff on duty to keep people safe.
People were supported to have a healthy and nutritious diet and hot and cold drinks and snacks were available throughout the day. People had their healthcare needs identified and were able to access healthcare professionals such as their GP and dentist. Staff knew how to access specialist professional help when needed.
People were at the centre of the caring process and staff acknowledged them as unique individuals. Relatives told us that staff were kind and caring and we saw examples of good care practice. People were always treated with dignity and respect. People were cared for by staff that were supported to undertake training to improve their knowledge and advance their skills to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively.
People were supported to have an active life and were encouraged to take part in hobbies and interests of their choice. Relatives commented that their loved ones were well looked after.
People where able, were supported to make decisions about their care and treatment and maintain their independence. People and their relatives had access to information about how to make a complaint. Relatives told us that they could approach staff with concerns and knew how to make a formal complaint to the provider.
The registered provider had introduced robust systems to monitor the quality of the service and make improvements. Staff had access to professional development, supervision and feedback on their performance. People, their relatives and staff found the registered manager approachable.