Field Farm House Residential Home

Updated 17 March 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.

This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about people who chose to smoke whilst living at the home.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This included checking the provider was meeting COVID-19 vaccination requirements. 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

This inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Field Farm House 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. Field Farm House is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

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 spoke with the Nominated Individual, the registered manager and the housekeeper. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service who is also the provider.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and care plans. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

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 17 March 2022

About the service

Field Farm House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 49 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 69 people.

Field Farm House accommodates 69 people across four separate wings, each of which has separate adapted facilities providing care to people living with dementia.

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

The provider and the registered manager had worked together to make improvements since our last inspection. Work was continuing to drive through further improvements identified at this inspection. The registered manager understood time was needed to embed improvements and sustain these.

Although improvements since our last inspection had been made in the environment to assist people living with dementia, further work was required to ensure activities were more suited to each person living with dementia.

People were cared for by staff who were kind. Staff were considerate towards people they cared for. People and relatives felt involved and supported in decision making. People's privacy was respected, and their dignity maintained, although there were still occasions where this could be improved especially at lunchtimes.

Staff practices to manage the risks associated with infection prevention and control had been strengthened. Staff told us they had access to enough equipment to support their practices in reducing the risks of cross infections and this was used.

People were cared for by staff who knew how to keep them safe and protect them from avoidable harm. People received their medicines regularly and systems were in place for the safe management and supply of 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.

Enough, knowledgeable staff were available to meet people's needs and the registered manager understood when more people move into the home staffing arrangements will need to be reviewed.

People's needs were assessed, and care was planned and provided to meet people's needs. A new electronic care planning process had been introduced. Care was provided by staff with training and the registered manager understood this needed to be provided on a regular basis. People had a nutritious diet, and they enjoyed the food offered. Staff ensured people had enough to drink to meet their individual needs.

People felt their concerns or complaints would be listened to and action taken to improve the service as a result.

The registered manager and provider were following an action improvement plan to drive through further improvements and strengthen the effectiveness of quality monitoring systems.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection (and update)

The last rating for this service was Inadequate [published 10 October 2019]. There were multiple breaches of regulation. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations. This service has been in Special Measures since October 2019. During this inspection the provider demonstrated that improvements have been made. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the service's previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any information of concern is received, we may inspect sooner.