Background to this inspection
Updated
13 October 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 undertaken by one inspector, a pharmacist 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
Kingly Croft 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 unannounced.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection and sought feedback from the local authority. 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 plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with two people who used the service and four relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with nine members of staff including the registered manager, assistant manager, senior care workers, care workers and maintenance staff.
We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
The provider sent us additional information immediately following the inspection to validate evidence found.
Updated
13 October 2021
About the service
Kingly Croft provides accommodation and personal care for up to six adults with acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions. The staff team includes a dedicated team of occupational therapists, a speech and language therapist and a physiotherapist to assist people with their support and rehabilitation. There were four people using the service at the time of our visit.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People received personalised safe care. All the people and relatives we spoke with told us they received support that was tailored to their needs and preferences and were complimentary of the care they received. Staff knew people well and our observations confirmed they were kind and considerate when they supported people.
People’s consent to care was obtained. 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.
There were enough experienced and qualified staff to safely meet people’s needs. Staff knew people well and were kind and considerate when delivering care. Where we identified an issue with overnight staffing this was immediately resolved.
Processes were in place to safely manage risks associated with people’s care. Care plans and risk assessments were reflective of people’s needs. Where people’s needs changed prompt action was taken to ensure their health and well-being were maintained.
Staff were safely recruited, and people were involved in the providers recruitment process.
People were provided with a safe and homely place to live. Improvements to the environment had been made and a refurbishment plan was in place.
They were provided with a balanced diet and support from healthcare professionals was sought when required.
People were protected from the risk of infectious diseases as far as practicably possible. A robust infection control policy was in place and staff followed guidance in relation to COVID-19.
People’s medicines were managed safely. Staff had received training in medicines management and their competency had been checked.
The registered manager and provider were open and transparent, and systems and processes were in place to ensure people received quality care. Where any shortfall was identified action was taken to bring about the required improvement.
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 requires improvement (published 25 September 2019).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Kingly Croft on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
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.