Archived: Northfield Manor

Updated 12 February 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 27 January 2021 and was announced.

Updated 12 February 2021

Northfield Manor 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. During our inspection 38 people were living at the service. The home has two areas, one of which provides more specialist support for those people living with a dementia or that may have cognitive impairment. The home has gardens with a greenhouse, vegetable allotments and chickens. Parking is available on site. The home is located on the outskirts of Driffield in East Yorkshire.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good with outstanding in the key question Responsive. There was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns.

This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

This inspection took place on the 16, 19 and 20 July 2018 and was unannounced.

Staff had exceptional skills and expertise which empowered people and their families to be involved in the care planning and review process. Management supported staff by offering specialist training in dementia care. This supported them to achieve person centred care that was responsive in meeting effective outcomes for people.

Relatives and records showed that staff were active in their approach and worked above and beyond to ensure people had the right support in place. Staff had a deeper level of understanding when supporting people with a dementia. Advice and guidance was sought from health professionals and best practice tools were utilised to support innovative working with individuals.

Relatives told us that words could not describe the patience and kindness of the management and staff team at this service. People were supported to freely express themselves and staff supported people and their relatives to have a voice. Relationships had been built on trust and excellent levels of communication to maintain relationships for people.

Staff took time speaking with people and their relatives to capture detailed information about what was important to them. This was used to support people to maintain their life skills and achieve their ambitions. People talked passionately about the intergenerational working with the local school and told us about the positive impact this had on their lives.

People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

Risk assessments had measures in place to mitigate risks such as, choking or falls. Records were in place to monitor those that had identified risks and these were analysed regularly by the management team. Best practice guidance was available for staff if needed.

The provider had various quality assurance processes in place to maintain good practice and improve quality standards within the home.

People were protected from avoidable harm and abuse. Staff had received regular training and were knowledgeable about how to report any incidents. Systems and processes supported staff should they need to report a safeguarding incident.

Staff responsible for administration of medicines received regular training and competency checks. We found some areas of concern around the storage and recording of medicines. These were addressed by the registered manager as part of this inspection.

The provider monitored safe staffing levels and had robust recruitment checks in place. Staff felt supported in their role and received regular supervisions and annual appraisals. Opportunities were available to develop their skills further through additional training courses that were offered to them.

Staff were seen promoting people's dignity and respecting their privacy. People were encouraged by staff to maintain their life skills by completing tasks they could do for themselves. This ensured they remained as independent as they could be.

Management considered people’s equality and diversity, ensuring communions were available for those that wished to attend. Staff ensured that people’s preferences and choices were valued.

Systems and processes were in place to support people should they need to raise a complaint. Relatives and people living at the service felt confident the registered manager would address any concerns appropriately. Staff felt confident to use the whistle blowing procedure if they needed to.

The provider sought feedback from people and their relatives to improve the service and lives of people living at the home. Staff and relatives told us the registered manager was approachable and always available should they need to speak with them. We observed that the registered manager and their deputy were visible to staff always and an open-door policy supported them.

Relatives described the atmosphere as very homely, relaxed and happy. This created a very warm and welcoming environment where staff enjoyed working and people and their relatives felt a part of the community.

Further information is in the detailed findings below