We carried out a review of the data available to us about Elmhurst Nursing Home 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 Elmhurst Nursing Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ Although visits were restricted due to local guidance, people’s individual wellbeing was considered and some visits went ahead by prior arrangement. Visiting procedures were in place and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was provided for visitors.
¿ People were supported to maintain contact with their family and friends through window visits and telephone calls. People also had access to electronic tablets to make video calls. A booking system was in place to minimise the risk of visitors congregating in the car park and to maintain social distancing.
¿ Staff felt supported by the registered manager and provider and were encouraged to share their views on how safety could be improved during the pandemic. For example, following staff feedback, people isolated in their rooms for 14 days following hospital outpatient visits to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
¿ A new staff entrance had been designated, which enabled staff easy access to a dedicated donning/doffing of PPE area, thus minimising the need to walk through the home. Changes had been made to stagger staff breaks to reduce mixing and promote social distancing.
¿Staff worked closely with infection control professionals and colleagues from the provider's other home to share learning and ensure infection outbreaks were effectively prevented or managed.
¿The environment was clean. Staff completed regular touch point cleaning and deep cleans to ensure the risk of cross transmission was reduced.
People’s experience of using this service: People were safe and they told us staff were approachable. There were enough staff on duty to provide safe care to people. Staff knew about safeguarding procedures. Staff were subject to robust recruitment checks. Arrangements for managing people’s medicines were safe.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. However, we have made a recommendation about following best practice guidelines for medicines management and best interest decision making, where people do not have mental capacity.
People were cared for by staff who were kind and compassionate. The atmosphere within the home was friendly and welcoming. People and their relatives were involved and supported in decision making. People's privacy was respected and their dignity maintained.
The home was being refurbished and people were very positive about the changes taking place. People’s and staff comments included, “It’s like a hotel”, “It’s a pleasure to work here” and “I love coming to work.” There was a good standard of hygiene.
Staff had a good understanding and knowledge of people’s care and support needs. They received the training and support they needed. People were supported to access health care professionals when required.
Risk assessments were in place which identified current risks to people as well as way to reduce those risks. There was an open culture of learning when things go wrong. Staff worked well with other agencies to ensure people received appropriate care.
Activities and entertainment were available to keep people engaged and stimulated. People's views and concerns were listened to and action was taken to improve the service.
The registered manager monitored the quality of the service through audits and feedback received from people, their relatives, staff and external agencies.
Why we inspected: This was the first inspection of the service since it was registered in September 2017. This was a planned comprehensive inspection.
Follow up: We did not identify any concerns at this inspection. We will therefore re-inspect this service within the published timeframe for services rated good. We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk