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

The inspection was carried out by two inspectors. Two inspectors carried out the site visit on the 06 October 2020. On the 08 October 2020 one inspector made phone calls to staff. We continued analysis of the evidence sent to us and the inspection concluded on the 13 October 2020.

Service and service type

Woodlands Retirement Residence 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 who was also the provider of the service. This means that they 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. We informed the service of the inspection shortly before entering the building because of the risks associated with COVID19. This meant that we could discuss how to ensure everyone remained safe during the inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority who commission services with the provider. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection-

We met a number of people and spoke with two people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager who is also the registered provider, and the care administrator, senior staff and care workers.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and three medication records. We looked at two 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 provider to validate evidence found. We looked at care plans, training data and quality assurance records. We spoke with one relative and two members of staff.