Background to this inspection
Updated
13 February 2019
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.’
Inspection team: Two 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: April Park is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal 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:
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as abuse. We sought feedback from the local authority, clinical commissioning group (CCG) and other professionals who work with the service. We assessed the information we require providers to send us at least once annually to provide some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection we spoke with nine people and two relatives to ask about their experience of the care provided. Some people were unable to tell us their experience of their life in the home, so we observed how the staff interacted with people in communal areas.
We spoke with four members of care staff, a member of the domestic team, the cook and the deputy manager. We spoke with the area director and area quality director who were also present for the feedback at the end of our inspection. During the inspection we spoke with one visiting professionals from health care.
We reviewed a range of records. This included five people's care and medicine records. We also reviewed the process used for staff recruitment, various records in relation to training and supervision of staff, records relating to the management of the home and a variety of policies and procedures developed and implemented by the provider.
After the inspection we asked the provider to send us further information in relation to care plans, audits and areas were lessons had been learnt. We received this within a timely manner and have included the details in the report.
Updated
13 February 2019
People’s experience of using this service:
The provider had made many improvements to the home since our last inspection and we have recognised these and have reflected them within the report There was a new registered manager who ensure we received notifications and that the last rating was displayed. We saw that audits had been used to drive improvements and used to reflect standards of care across the providers business. Staff felt supported and this meant they could develop their skills with their roles. People’s views had been considered, and any developments or changes had been shared with people. Partnerships had been developed with a range of professionals.
People felt safe and staff had a good understanding of how to raise any concerns. When concerns had been raised, these were investigated and lessons were learnt and shared. Risk assessments were in place to support the needs of people and measures taken to reduce the risks. There was enough staff to support the required needs of the people and recruitment was completed to ensure the appropriate checks were completed. Medicine was managed safety, ensuring stock and recording was in place. The homes hygiene standards were in place to reduce the risks of infection.
Staff had received the training they required for their roles and guidance was provided for specific health conditions. People enjoyed the meals on offer and we saw that specific diets had been catered for and any ongoing health care had been monitored. Referrals had been made to a range of health care professionals to support people’s wellbeing and ongoing health needs. The home had developed the environment to meet people’s needs.
Staff had established positive relationships with people. There was friendly banter and this produced a relaxed feel with much laughter. People’s privacy was respected and their dignity maintained. Visitors were welcomed.
The care plans provided detailed guidance on the care required. They included details of people’s history and their daily needs. Peoples equality needs were reflected and information was provided in a range of formats. When complaints had been raised they were investigated and responded to. When end of life care was required, consideration was made for the persons wishes and any pain relief.
Rating at last inspection: Requires Improvement (Published September 2017)
About the service:
April Park is a care home that provides personal care for up to 40 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 35 people using the service. The accommodation is split across two floors. Each floor contained bedrooms, a communal lounge and a dining area. There was an accessible secure garden.
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection which was Requires Improvement. At this inspection we found the service had improved to the rating of ‘Good’.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.