Archived: Fir Trees

Updated 4 March 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 17 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 4 March 2021

We carried out an inspection of Fir Trees on the 28 November and 4 December 2018, the first day of the inspection was unannounced. The service was last inspected in March 2017, where we identified four breaches in regulations 12 and 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities). The service was given an overall rating of Requires Improvement. Following the last inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key questions Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led to at least good.

During this inspection we checked to see if the breaches in regulation had now been met. We found the provider had taken the necessary action to meet the regulations.

Fir Trees 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.

Fir Trees is situated in the Dukinfield area of Tameside and provides accommodation for up to 46 people who require accommodation and personal care. All rooms provide single accommodation and have en-suite facilities. Bedrooms are located over two floors and can be accessed by stairs or passenger lift. Communal bathrooms and toilet facilities are available throughout the home. The home is divided into two floors; each floor consists of a lounge and dining area there is a small laundry area and a kitchenette upstairs used by staff to make snacks and drinks. There is also a lower ground floor area that is currently used for storage and meetings. The main laundry and large kitchen are located on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden area for people to use.

At the time of the inspection there were 42 people living at the home.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Clear management systems were in place to monitor and review the quality of service provided. Opportunities were provided for people who used the service, their visitors and staff to comment on their experience and share ideas. This enabled people to experience safe and effective care and support.

The management and administration of oral medicines was safe. Action had been taken to improve records for the administration of topical creams and the thickening of fluids.

Systems were in place to minimise the risk of cross infection. Improvements had been made to the laundry so that soiled items were managed safely. The home was found to clean, tidy with no malodours.

Risks identified within the environment and to people’s care had been assessed and planned so that people’s health and well-being was maintained.

Effective systems were in place to ensure the premises and equipment were regularly serviced and safe to use. Plans were in place to enhance the environment, particularly for those people living with dementia.

Staff knew how to keep people safe and understood their responsibilities in protecting people from abuse and knew what to do should an incident arise.

People’s autonomy, choice and community presence was promoted with a range of activities and opportunities both in and away from the home. Consideration was also given to people’s religious and cultural needs.

Systems were in place to ensure sufficient number of staff were provided. Relevant information and checks were obtained when recruiting new staff. Opportunities for staff training and development were provided helping to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills needed to meet the specific needs of people safely and effectively.

Suitable arrangements were in place to meet people’s nutritional needs. Relevant health care support was provided to ensure people’s health and well-being was maintained.

Relevant authorisations were in place where people were being deprived of their liberty. Care records show that capacity and consent had been considered when planning people’s care and support.

People had a plan of care which identified their wishes and preferences and how they were to be supported by staff in meeting their individual needs. People told us, and we observed, staff treat them with dignity and respect when offering care and support. Staff were said to be helpful and caring and understood people’s individual needs and wishes.

Systems were in place for the reporting and responding to any complaints and concerns. People and their visitors said they were able to raise any issues or concerns and felt they would be listened to and acted upon.