Background to this inspection
Updated
28 July 2021
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.
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 one inspector.
Service and service type
Greatwood House 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.
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.
Before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We received feedback from the local authority. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We completed observations of the service. We spoke with the lead manager, registered manager, deputy manager, and two members of staff. We reviewed two people’s care records. We also reviewed records relating to infection control.
After the inspection
We spoke with two staff via video calls. We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.
Updated
28 July 2021
Greatwood House is a large detached bungalow situated in the extensive grounds of Somerset Court which is owned by the provider. The home accommodates six people who have autism and complex support needs. Up to four people live in the main part of the home; two people live in two self-contained flats attached to the main house. People living at Greatwood House can access all other facilities on the Somerset Court site which include various day services. At the time of the inspection six people were living at the home.
The service had not originally been developed and designed in line with the Registering the Right Support guidance. This guidance was implemented in 2017 after the service had registered with us. This was because there were five other registered care homes set in the grounds of Somerset Court in close proximity to Greatwood House. However, the service mitigated the negative impact of this by ensuring people accessed the local community and had opportunity to engage in activities of their choice.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
People had individual care plans that detailed their care and support. Although care plans were personalised they did not always contain accurate and complete information. Risks relating to people were identified, however some required additional information and reference to people’s specific guidance and protocols. Whilst governance systems in place identified improvements required, identified actions had not always been completed.
Staff supported people to manage their medicines safely. There were enough staff available to support people. Staff were recruited safely. Relatives commented about the consistency of staff and changes in the staff team. The manager had plans in place to address this.
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.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
Staff received regular training and were knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. They had the skills, knowledge and experience required to support people with their needs. Staff received one to one supervision and told us they felt supported.
People’s healthcare needs were identified and met. Staff worked with a range of healthcare professionals and followed professional advice and guidance when needed.
People were supported by caring staff who worked towards promoting their dignity, privacy and independence.
Where relatives and people had raised concerns and complaints, these were listened to and responded to.
People and staff commented positively about the manager and leadership of the service. People’s relatives commented there had been changes in management of the service.
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 requires improvement (published 28 February 2019) and there were breaches of regulation 12, (Safe care and treatment) and regulation 17, (Good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. 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.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.