Across The Bay

Updated 8 December 2021

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 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 one inspector.

Service and service type

Across The Bay 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. This means that they and the provider 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 announced. This was because we needed to be sure that the registered manager would be available to support the inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since they registered with CQC. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with five people who lived at the home, four members of staff, the cook, registered manager and the owner who was the registered provider. We observed staff interaction with people. In addition, we reviewed a range of records. These included care records of two people, medication records, staff files in relation to recruitment and the staff training records. We also reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service. We had a walk around the premises and looked at infection control measures.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the registered manager to validate evidence found. We looked at their quality assurance systems.

Updated 8 December 2021

About the service

Across The Bay is a four-storey building and has a passenger lift for people to access all the floors. Registered for 24 older people. At the time of the inspection visit there were 18 people who lived at the home.

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

Across The Bay was clean and hygienic. The service had an infection prevention and control policy in place. One staff member told us, “We are aware of the importance and have had training on infection control and Covid-19 guidance.” There were sufficient staff to meet people’s care and support needs. They were employed subject to robust recruitment processes. People’s safety was at the centre of care delivery. Risks were assessed and carefully monitored to ensure individuals safety. People received their medicines safely.

People received support with their healthcare and nutritional needs. They 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. There was a programme of staff training and regular updates were in place for staff to improve their skills.

We observed staff interactions with people who lived at Across The Bay and found them to be caring and they treated people with respect and kindness. This was confirmed through discussion with people.

Activities were varied, staff had worked hard with people to provide meaningful social activities to provide stimulation and exercise. One person told us, “We have singalongs, ball games all sorts go here in the afternoons.” There was a complaints process which people and relatives were aware of.

The management team had auditing systems to maintain ongoing oversight of the service and make improvements where necessary. Quality assurance processes ensured people were able to give their views of the service. We found the management team acted upon suggestions to improve the lives of people.

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 10th October 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned first inspection based on their registration. We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all 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 until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.