Armstrong House

Updated 19 February 2022

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 COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 8 February 2022 and was unannounced.

Updated 19 February 2022

About the service

Armstrong House is a purpose-built nursing home providing care for up to 71 older people, some of whom are living with dementia.

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

The service was exceptional at placing people at the heart of the service. The registered manager and staff had a strong focus on demonstrably showing people were valued and respected. Staff were exceptionally caring. They focused fully on the goals and aspirations of the people who used the service. They all shared the same hopes and wishes for people to continue to live the lifestyle of their choice. The staff provided, as many opportunities, as possible for people to develop their confidence, regain skills and become as independent as they could.

We found that staff were totally committed to delivering a service which improved people’s lives in fulfilling and creative ways. 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 staff drive and passion had created a dynamic and vibrant service. Relatives and other professionals we spoke with during our inspection highly praised the service and the impact it was having on people.

Staff were making a difference to people’s wellbeing by working well as a team, in harmony with one another and by sharing the same values and principles.

Staff took steps to safeguard vulnerable adults and promoted their human rights. Incidents were dealt with appropriately, which helped to keep people safe. People's health needs were thoroughly assessed and external professionals were involved in individuals care when necessary.

Staffing levels met people’s needs. Staff had received a wide range of training including working with people who may display behaviours that challenge. Checks were made on the ongoing competency of staff. Appropriate checks were completed prior to people being employed to work at the service.

People who used the service came from diverse backgrounds. To enable individual's communication the registered manager had looked at the skill mix within the service and employed staff who were bi-lingual. They had also ensured staff had access to telephone translator services and was making sure staff recorded key phrases and words in people's care records.

The cook had received a range of training around meeting people's nutritional needs. Staff were encouraging people who were under-weight to eat fortified foods. A range of menu choices were available.

The registered manager had acted on concerns and complaints and had taken steps to resolve these matters. All incidents were analysed, and lessons were learnt and embedded into practice. The registered manager and deputy manager constantly looked for ways to improve the service. People’s voices were of paramount importance in the service.

The service was well run. The senior managers and registered manager carried out lots of checks to make sure that the service was effective. The registered manager continually researched information about best practice and ensured staff practice remained at the forefront in introducing new guidance.

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

Rating at last inspection

Good (report published 29 December 2016).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

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.