Courtwick Park

Updated 10 April 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 care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 16 March 2021 and was unannounced.

Updated 10 April 2021

Courtwick Park provides accommodation and support for a maximum of 10 adults with a learning disability or autistic spectrum needs. At the time of this inspection there were seven people living at the home. People had varied communication needs and abilities. Some people were able to express themselves verbally using one or two words; others used body language to communicate their needs. People required differing levels of support from staff based on their individual needs. Everyone required support and help to access the wider community outside of the home in which they lived.

This was an unannounced inspection which took place on 5 and 8 September 2017. The registered manager was given notice of the second date as we needed to spend time with her to discuss aspects of the inspection and to gather further information.

During the inspection the registered manager was present. 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.

We previously inspected the home in August 2015 when it was rated ‘Good’ overall and in all domains apart from the ‘Effective’ domain which rated ‘Requires Improvement.’ One breach of regulation was made due to a lack of Mental Capacity Assessments (MCA) and decision specific DoLS applications. At this inspection we found that steps had been taken by the registered manager and that the breach of regulation was met.

Quality assurance audits and checks were completed that helped ensure quality standards were maintained and legislation complied with. Quality assurance processes included obtaining and acting on the views of people in order that their views could be used to drive improvements at the home.

Staff were available for people when they needed support in the home and when they wanted to participate in activities outside of the home. Robust recruitment procedures were followed to ensure staff were safe to work with people.

People appeared happy and at ease in the presence of staff. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in relation to protecting people from harm and abuse.

Medicines were managed safely and staff training in this area included observations of their practice to ensure medicines were given appropriately and with consideration for the person concerned.

Checks on the environment and equipment had been completed to ensure it was safe for people to use.

People were supported to take control of their lives in a safe way. Risks were identified and managed that supported this. Systems were in place for responding to incidents and accidents that happened within the home in order that actions were taken to reduce, where possible reoccurrence.

Staff were skilled and experienced to care and support people to have a good quality of life. Training was provided during induction and then on an on-going basis. Staff received support that enabled them to carry out their roles and responsibilities.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. People were involved in the review of their care packages. People were supported to access healthcare services and to maintain good health. People had enough to eat and drink throughout the day.

Positive, caring relationships had been developed with people. Staff knew what people could do for themselves and areas where support was needed. Staff appeared dedicated and committed.

People received personalised care that was responsive to their needs. Activities were offered and people were supported to increase their daily living skills based on their individual abilities. People were also supported to maintain contact with people who were important to them.

Staff understood the importance of supporting people to raise concerns. Information of what to do in the event of needing to make a complaint was available to people.

People spoke highly of the registered manager. Staff were motivated and told us that management of the home was good. The registered manager was aware of the attitudes, values and behaviours of staff.