Dearne Hall

Updated 15 November 2022

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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 two 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

Dearne Hall is a ‘care home.’ People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Dearne Hall is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was not a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

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 (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spent time observing staff interacting with people. We spoke with 9 people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 7 members of staff including the district manager, team leaders and care staff. We reviewed a range of documentation. This included 4 people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at 3 staff files in relation to recruitment. We looked at a variety of records relating to the management of the service.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.

Updated 15 November 2022

About the service

Dearne Hall is a purpose-built care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 48 people over three floors. At the time of our inspection there were 34 people using the service. Some people were living with dementia.

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

People received support which took into consideration their choices. Staff told us they knew people well and could recognise if there were any changes required to people’s care. The provider had a system in place to ensure people had access to social activities and stimulation, although throughout our inspection we saw very little evidence of people being engaged in activities. We have made a recommendation that the provider reviews social activities to ensure they have individual meaning and purpose.

There had been recent changes to the management team and the two deputy managers were being supported by the regional manager and quality team. The management team had identified areas for improvement and were working on an action plan to improve the service.

People were safeguarded from the risk of abuse and staff knew how to recognise and report concerns. Risks associated with people’s care were identified and managed safely. People received their medicines as prescribed, by staff who received training and support in the safe handling of medicines. Appropriate systems were in place to minimise the risk and spread of infections. Staff were safely recruited and supported by the staff team.

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, and care delivered in line with people’s preferences. People commented positively about the food they received, telling us they enjoyed their meals and were given choices.

We observed staff interacting with people and found they were kind and caring. We found staff knew people well and engaged with people in a positive way.

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 6 May 2021 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 5 September 2018.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

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.