Tarry Hill

Updated 29 January 2022

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. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

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

This inspection was carried out by two inspectors and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has experience of relatives using this type of service.

Service and service type

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 before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We communicated with four people who used the service and eight relatives about their experience of the care provided. People using the service were not able to express their feelings about their care with us, so we spent time in their company and observed their interactions with staff. We spoke with 15 members of staff including the registered manager, nominated individual and care staff. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

We reviewed a range of records. This included six people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.

Updated 29 January 2022

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

About the service

Tarry Hill is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to 13 people at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 26 people. There are five separate homes within Tarry Hill, each with separate entrances with a shared outdoor terrace area at the front of the homes and access to garden areas.

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

When people were supported to take their medicines, the records did not always include all the information required, such as what time people had taken medicines and when to take medicines only required in certain circumstances. Risks to people’s safety were assessed and reviewed but the most recent reviews were not always included in people’s care plans.

There were enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs and ensure people received their care as agreed. Safeguarding processes were in place and staff told us they would feel confident to recognise and report concerns of abuse if they saw 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 was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. People’s individual needs, preferences, beliefs and lifestyle choices were known, valued and respected.

People were supported by staff who were kind and caring. Staff knew people well and ensured people’s privacy, dignity and independence were promoted. Staff communicated effectively with people. Relatives were involved in care planning and delivery.

There were governance and audit systems in place to capture and address any issues that required improvements. The provider and registered manager had demonstrated a continued commitment to ensuring people achieved the best outcomes and quality of life for them. Relatives, staff and external professionals spoke highly of the drive, passion and knowledge of the registered manager and the person-centred culture they had created.

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 1 October 2020). 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

We undertook this inspection to assess that the service is applying the principles of Right support right care right culture.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively. This included checking the provider was meeting COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

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.