Halmer Court

Updated 14 September 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

Glenholme Halmer Court 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. Glenholme Halmer Court 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. There was a manager in post who had applied to register, and we are currently assessing this application.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

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 information gathered as part of monitoring activity that took place on 28 April 2023 to help plan the inspection and inform our judgements. We also sourced information from the local authority.

We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 2 people and 9 relatives. We reviewed a range of documentation, this included the care records of 11 people. We also reviewed 4 staff recruitment files as well as training records for the staff team.

We spoke with 5 staff members, the registered manager, a director and the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

Updated 14 September 2023

About the service

Glenholme Halmer Court is a residential care home providing care to up to 61 people in one purpose-built building. The service provides support predominately to older adults including those living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 22 people using the service.

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

Quality assurance systems were not always effective and did not ensure regulatory compliance. The provider was working with the new manager to improve systems and processes with a relevant action plan in place.

Environmental risks were not identified and managed safely. Lessons were not always learnt following incidents to reduce risks. People’s medicines were not managed in line with best practice and people were not always protected from the risk of infection. Following conversations with inspectors, actions were taken to mitigate these risks.

People were not supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did not support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service did not support this practice.

Staff had not always received up to date training and supervisions of their performance. The provider had acted to book in training for staff. Staff we spoke with understood people’s needs. Care plans were not always up to date or did not include relevant information about people. People did not consistently receive support to take part in activities which were relevant to them.

People and relatives had not always seen their care plans and had not always been asked for feedback on the service. The service had a wide range of facilities for people but the use of these facilities was limited due to occupancy and staffing levels.

People and relatives felt some staff were kind and caring and people’s privacy was protected. People’s communication needs were documented. People staff and relatives felt the new manager was improving the service and encouraged a positive atmosphere.

People and relatives told us the service was safe. People were supported to eat and drink safely. Staff understood how to spot signs of abuse and alleged abuse was reported as required. Staff were recruited safely and staffing levels were safe. The manager and staff worked with professionals to support people.

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 20 September 2021 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about medicines, infection control, safety of care and staffing. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

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.

We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvements. Please see the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions of this report.

The provider had taken some action to mitigate risks identified in this inspection. The effectiveness of these actions will be assessed at a future inspection.

Enforcement

We have identified breaches in relation to safe care and treatment, safeguarding, and governance at this inspection.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

Follow up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.