Background to this inspection
Updated
4 November 2022
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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
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 three inspectors and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
Gorton Park is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Gorton Park is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Registered Manager
This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
Inspection activity started on 27 September 2022 and ended on 11 October 2022. We visited the service on the 27 September and 4 October 2022.
What we did before the inspection
The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with nine people who used the service and two visitors. We also spoke with twelve members of staff including the regional director, registered manager, head of care, maintenance staff, housekeeper and nursing and care staff.
During the inspection visit we looked at the management of people’s medicines and reviewed support plans. We also looked at areas of health and safety, infection control and staff recruitment. Additional evidence, sent to us electronically, was reviewed remotely. These included; policies and procedures as well as information to evidence management and oversight of the service.
Updated
4 November 2022
About the service
Gorton Parks is a nursing home registered to accommodate up to 120 people across four separate bungalows. At the time of our inspection there were 112 people living at the service.
Each bungalow specialises in either nursing or residential care, Sunnybrow, Abbey Hey, Melland and Debdale. Some of the people living at Gorton Park live with dementia. Each of the bungalows has a lounge, dining area, a conservatory, and a kitchenette. All bedrooms are single with no en-suite facilities. Accessible toilets and bathrooms are located near to bedrooms and living rooms.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The management team were committed to making improvements across the service. Current priorities focused on staff recruitment and retention, with increased pay incentives, and medication management, working in partnership with the GP and supplying pharmacist.
Additional management appointments had been made, offering better support for the registered manager and across the service. Each had delegated responsibilities including audits and checks providing oversight of the service. A comprehensive action plan was in place to help drive improvement.
Suitable arrangements were in place for the management of people’s prescribed medicines. Regular audits were carried out to check a safe system was in place. Recent issues in the ordering and supplies of medication had been addressed with the GP and supplying pharmacist.
Areas of risk, such as behaviours, pressure care or poor nutrition, were identified and planned for. Additional records were completed to help monitor people’s changing needs and behaviours. Gaps in some records were noted. These shortfalls had been identified and acted upon following internal audits carried out the management team.
We found areas within the home were tired and needed enhancing, for example, carpets, redecoration and replacement of worn furniture. A comprehensive plan had been drawn up to address the work required. Relevant internal and external safety checks were carried out to help keep the premises and equipment safe.
Sufficient numbers of staff were available to meet the needs of people. Relevant information and checks were carried out to ensure new staff were safely recruited. Opportunities for staff training and development were made available. Following feedback from staff, leadership training was to be introduced helping to further enhance staff skills.
Systems were in place with regards to consent and capacity. 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 they were happy living at Gorton Park. People were engaged in activities and interaction between people and staff were kind and respectful.
Suitable arrangements were in place with regards to infection control procedures and safeguarding, to help keep people safe.
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 requires improvement (published 15 June 2021).
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 improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations. At our last inspection we also recommended improvements in medication records, improvements to risk management plans and the introduction of staff supervisions. At this inspection we found action had been taken, further improvements were being made in relation to the frequency of supervision.
Why we inspected
We carried out an unannounced focused inspection of this service in May 2021. Breaches of legal requirements were found. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve good governance and safe care and treatment.
We undertook this focused inspection to check they had followed their action plan and to confirm they now met legal requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to the Key Questions Safe and Well-led which contain those requirements.
For those key questions not inspected, we used the ratings awarded at the last inspection to calculate the overall rating. The overall rating for the service has changed from requires improvement to good. This is based on the findings at this inspection.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Gorton Park Care Home on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.