Brownlee Court

Brownlee Court is a residential and nursing care home for up to 116 young adults and older adults with physical and mental health conditions. It is a purpose-built three storey building located in a residential area. At the time of the inspection, 47 people were using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People told us they felt safe living at the service. Staff were described as ‘exemplary, going the extra mile.’ Risks were understood and managed. There was enough staff on duty, however the deployment of agency staff needed to be reviewed. Medicines were safely managed. The home was clean throughout; improved consistency with using PPE was needed.

The provider had identified where improvements needed to be made and had taken steps to address this. The leadership team had been strengthened and review of quality assurance measures was underway. The staff team were positive about each other and felt listened to and supported by the management team.

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 23 February 2021).

Why we inspected

We received concerns in relation to people’s safety, staffing levels, leadership and quality assurance. The inspection was also prompted in part to two incidents which had taken place prior to the inspection. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

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. This included checking the provider was meeting COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

As a result, we undertook a focused inspection to review the key questions of safe and well-led only. 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 remains good.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Brownlee Court on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

We found the following examples of good practice.

• The premises were clean and tidy, with regular cleaning taking place.

• Visitors were screened to reduce the risk of them spreading infection.

• Plentiful supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) were in place, and staff were seen using this correctly.

• Staff promoted safe social distancing throughout the home.

We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.

Brownlee Court is a care home providing personal and nursing care for up to 116 older people, some of who are living with a dementia type illness. At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 40 people.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Some people’s care records required further information regarding their individual health needs and how this impacted on their day to day life. Some medicines records required reviewing to better instruct staff and support with stock checks. The provider's quality monitoring of the service had not been effective in identifying these issues. We have made a recommendation about this.

People told us they felt safe using the service and received their medicines on time. Relatives were confident family members were well cared for. One told us, “The best thing is everything. I can sleep at night knowing [person] is looked after.”

There was a proactive approach to assessing and managing risk which allowed people to remain as independent as possible. Safe recruitment practices were in place to help ensure that only suitable people were employed at the service.

The home had appropriate checks and maintenance systems in place to ensure the environment and equipment was safe for people living at the service.

People's needs and wishes were assessed prior to moving into the service. People received care and support from experienced staff who were supported in their role. People were offered a nutritious and balanced diet.

People were involved in decisions about the care they received. People had 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.

People, their relatives and staff had access to, and support from, a management team who they told us they would be comfortable raising concerns with.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 22 November 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about the care people received, infection control and staffing. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

We found the following examples of good practice.

• We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting

• Systems were in place to prevent visitors from catching and spreading infections. Visitors were screened and required to follow the provider’s infection prevention and control procedures.

• Staff promoted and practised safe social distancing throughout the home. Clear systems were in place to shield and isolate people should outbreaks occur.

• Staff were observed wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Sufficient supplies of PPE were in place. Staff received regular training in infection prevention and control measures and appropriate use of PPE. People were supported to safely access the community with appropriate PPE.

• Clear systems were in place to admit people safely into the home. Staff worked collaboratively with other professionals to keep people safe as they moved into the service.

• People and staff were regularly taking part in the Covid testing programme. People, relatives and staff were kept well informed on the need for testing and any changes in infection prevention and control guidance.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.