Updated 10 June 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
This 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
Barham Care Centre 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
We gave a very short notice period of 15 minutes to the service prior to our inspection visit. This was to ensure the safety of all involved and to assess any risks in respect of COVID-19
What we did before the inspection
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 the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to help plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people who lived at the service and 12 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We also had email contact with a further three relatives. We spoke with six members of staff during our visit and had email contact with a further six staff in order that they could provide their feedback.
We reviewed multiple people's care files, daily records of care and medication records. We also reviewed staff personnel files. We looked at a sample of the service's quality assurance systems, the provider's arrangements for managing medication, staff training and supervision records, and complaint and compliment records.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We received additional information and feedback from professionals who work in the local authority who were familiar with the service.