We carried out a review of the data available to us about Oakwood House Care 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 Oakwood House Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
Oakwood House Care Home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 50 people. Some people had been discharged from hospital for a period of rehabilitation before either moving back to their own homes or on to other care providers. There were 10 beds which were block booked by the local authority for this. At the time of our inspection there were 36 people using the service and one person in hospital. 7 of the 10 discharge to assess beds were in use. The purpose built service accommodated people with nursing needs on the ground floor, with those needing residential or rehabilitation following hospital discharge, upstairs.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People who used the service and relatives were happy with the service and spoke positively about their experience. One relative said, “I want my [family member] to be looked after, and they are.”
Staff were clear about safeguarding people from avoidable harm and safeguarding concerns were referred and investigated. Risks were documented and managed well, but some daily records needed to be completed more diligently. An electronic records system was being introduced to help ensure this improves. The safety of the environment, equipment and systems, such as the fire system, were well maintained and monitored. Infection control risks were well managed and the service was clean. Medicines were administered safely and there were enough staff to meet people’s needs. More activities staff were being recruited to make up a shortfall and ensure people had access to activities every day.
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’s needs were assessed before they came to live at the service and care plans reflected their needs and preferences. Some people’s discharge information from hospital was not always accurate which was a challenge for the service and actions were in place to try to improve this situation. People’s healthcare needs, including their oral healthcare, were well managed and clearly documented. People enjoyed the food and were very positive about the dining experience. There was good monitoring of people’s weights and prompt referrals where people were found to be losing weight.
The environment was suitable for the client group and there had clearly been investment in it. People enjoyed the facilities on offer including the garden.
Staff were safely recruited, well trained, supported and developed. There was a focus on further developing nursing staff’s confidence and skills. The staff were kind and caring and people told us their privacy and dignity were maintained. People were involved in decisions about their care, although some relatives commented they had not had an opportunity to review their relative’s care in recent months.
People’s care plans and risk assessments reflected their needs and preferences. People received individualised care which met these needs. The provider had a programme of activities which covered a wide range of interests. People were positive about activities and wanted more opportunities.
Complaints were managed well, and the service had effective and robust quality assurance systems in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service. There was good partnership working with other health and social care professionals.
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 the service under the previous provider was good, published on 11 August 2018.
Why we inspected
We carried out this comprehensive inspection as this was a first rated inspection of a new provider. 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, which will help inform when we next inspect.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The provider was following best practice guidance in terms of ensuring visitors to the service did not introduce and spread COVID-19. All staff and visitors had their temperature measured, reviewed, and recorded on entry. Where any concerns were raised, visitors were provided with advice and guidance by staff.
Staff, visitors, and people living in the service were tested regularly for COVID-19 infection.
Staff were adhering to personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing guidance.
People were supported to speak to their families on the phone or via video call. Inside and outside visits were risk assessed and risk reduction measures were in place. The service had constructed a visiting pod with external access to facilitate easier and safer visiting. The service had arrangements to facilitate visits for people at the end of their life.
The provider had isolation arrangements in place for people who were infected with COVID-19, or for people who had been admitted to the service from hospital or the community. There was clear information and procedures for staff to care for people who were isolating. This effectively reduced the risks of transmission of COVID-19 within the service.
To ensure reduced risk of transmission of COVID-19, staff had breaks scheduled so that they were on their own and not mixing with others. The service facilitated and encouraged measures aimed at increasing staff wellbeing and morale such as 'silly' days where staff wore brightly coloured socks. These and other measures were well received.
The provider had ensured risk assessments were carried out for any staff at higher risk of vulnerability to COVID-19 and made appropriate arrangements to protect staff and people.