Lawnfield House

Updated 13 July 2022

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 COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 28 April 2022 and was unannounced.

Updated 13 July 2022

We undertook this unannounced inspection on 21 September 2017. Lawnfield House is registered to provide personal care and accommodation for a maximum of 41 older people, some of whom may have dementia. The home is purpose built and accommodation is provided on the ground floor, first floor, second floor and third floor of the building. At this inspection there were 41 people living in the home.

At our last comprehensive inspection on 6 November 2015 the service met the regulations we inspected and was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

There were suitable arrangements to protect people from harm and abuse. Care workers were knowledgeable regarding types of abuse and were aware of the procedure to follow when reporting abuse. Risks in relation to treatment and care provided were assessed and risk management plans ensured that identified risks to people were minimised. The service followed safe recruitment practices and sufficient staff were deployed to ensure people’s needs were met. The arrangements for the administration of medicines were satisfactory and medicines administration record charts (MAR) had been properly completed.

The premises were kept clean and tidy. Infection control measures were in place. There was a record of essential maintenance of inspections by specialist contractors. Fire safety arrangements were in place. These included weekly alarm checks, a fire risk assessment, drills and training. Personal emergency and evacuation plans (PEEP) were prepared for people to ensure their safety in an emergency.

The service worked with healthcare professionals and ensured that people’s healthcare needs were met. The dietary needs of people had been assessed and arrangements were in place to ensure that people received adequate nutrition. People were satisfied with the meals provided.

The Care Quality Commission is required by law to monitor the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. DoLS ensures that an individual being deprived of their liberty is monitored and the reasons why they are being restricted are regularly reviewed to make sure it is still in the person’s best interests. We noted that the home had suitable arrangements in place to comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS.

Care workers worked well as a team and there was effective communication among them. They had received a comprehensive induction and training programme. There were arrangements for support, supervision and appraisals of care workers. There were enough care workers deployed to meet people's needs. Care workers had been carefully recruited and their files contained the required documentation. We noted that the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check of one care worker was over six years old and no updates had been obtained from the DBS. These checks are needed to ensure that care workers are fit to work with vulnerable people.

Care workers prepared appropriate and up to date care plans which involved people and their representatives. The home had a varied activities programme to ensure that people received social and therapeutic stimulation. The service worked at encouraging people to be as independent as possible.

The service listened to people who used the service and responded appropriately. There were opportunities for people to express their views and experiences regarding the care and management of the home. Regular residents’ and relatives' meetings had been held. Complaints made had been carefully recorded and promptly responded to.

Comprehensive checks of the service had been carried out by the registered manager, deputy manager senior staff in areas such as health and safety, catering arrangements and accidents. Audits were carried out three monthly by the area manager and senior managers of the organisation. They included checks on care documentation, medicines, and maintenance of the home.