Brackenfield Hall

Updated 10 January 2023

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 2 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

Brackenfield Hall is a ‘care home’ without nursing care. 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. 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 a registered manager in post.

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. 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 10 people who used the service and 4 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 8 members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, team leaders and care staff. We reviewed a range of documentation. This included 6 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.

Updated 10 January 2023

About the service

Brackenfield Hall is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 60 people. Some people using the service were living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 54 people using the service. The home provides accommodation on 4 units over 2 floors. At the time of our inspection, some people were living with dementia.

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

The home was clean and well presented. However, kitchenettes on each unit required a deep clean. The registered manager took immediate action to address these concerns. People were safeguarded from the risk of abuse, staff received training and knew how to recognise and report abuse. There were sufficient staff available to meet people's needs. The provider had a safe recruitment procedure in place to ensure appropriate staff were selected to work at the home. Risks associated with people's care had been identified and actions taken to keep people safe. Accidents and incidents were monitored and analysed to ensure trends and patterns were identified and actions taken to prevent reoccurring incidents. People received their medicines as prescribed by staff who were competent to administer medicines.

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.

Staff received training and support to enable them to carry out their roles effectively. People received a healthy and balanced diet which met their needs and suited their preferences. People had access to healthcare professionals when required.

We observed staff interacting with people and found they were kind and caring. People received person-centred care from staff who knew them well. We saw people were engaged in activities and social interests. People were supported to raise concerns and the registered manager could demonstrate they had taken appropriate actions to address concerns and improve the service.

Audits were in place to ensure the management team identified and actioned any concerns. People were involved in the service and asked their opinions and views. Resident and relative meetings took place frequently and questionnaires were sent out to people to request their feedback about the home.

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 requires improvement, published on 19 December 2017.

Why we inspected

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

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.