Archived: Guinness Care Lincoln Gardens

Guinness care at Lincoln Gardens provides personal care to people living in extra care accommodation. At the time of our inspection 20 people were receiving personal care.

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

We were assured staff were following safe infection prevention and control procedures to keep people safe in their own homes.

People and staff took part in regular testing for COVID-19. Testing was currently being completed more regularly for staff and people due to the Covid outbreak. Staff that had tested positive or displayed symptoms were immediately isolated. People were asked to isolate and follow the guidance if they displayed symptoms or had tested positive.

Policies and procedures were in place. Staff had received infection control training and were kept up to date with any changes in guidance and information. Staff were given practical training on how PPE should be used. We observed staff wearing PPE. This included a facemask before the staff entered the building. The registered manager and staff were able to describe the PPE they would wear when attending people’s calls.

The registered manager was in regular contact with the Local Public Health team. People had been sent letters regarding the outbreak.

The building was closed due to the outbreak. To avoid delivery drivers entering, the staff took people's parcels and food shopping to people's flats. They were wiped down with bacterial sprays and wipes. At other times the separate onsite housing office staff assisted with delivery's and parcels.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Good (published 13 April 2019).

Why we inspected

We undertook this targeted inspection to follow up on specific concerns which we had received about the service. The inspection was prompted in response to concerns we received. This was regarding people helping office staff by delivering items to other people during a COVID-19 outbreak and staff not wearing the appropriate PPE.

CQC have introduced targeted inspections to follow up on Warning Notices or to check specific concerns. They do not look at an entire key question, only the part of the key question we are specifically concerned about. Targeted inspections do not change the rating from the previous inspection. This is because they do not assess all areas of a key question. We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from these concerns.

Please see the safe section of this full report. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Guinness Care Lincoln Gardens on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

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.

Guinness care at Lincoln Gardens provides personal care to people living in extra care accommodation. At the time of our inspection 14 people were receiving personal care.

People’s experience of using this service:

People living at the service received good care and support. They were treated with dignity and respect and fully involved in planning their own care.

People were safe. There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s care needs. Suitable recruitment procedures were followed to ensure people’s suitability for their role.

Risks were assessed and measures were in place to ensure people’s safety. People had access to pull cords should they need them in an emergency.

Staff were well trained and received good support to help them develop in their roles. Staff all reported being happy with the support they received.

The service was responsive to people’s needs and took account of the cultural backgrounds. Activities were provided and involved working with the local community. Complaints were investigated and responded to.

The service was well led. There was a manager who was intending to register and other senior staff supporting the service. Systems were in place to monitor quality and safety and these were effective in addressing shortfalls.

Rating at last inspection: This was the first inspection for the service under the current provider of care. People at the service have previously received care from a different organisation.

Why we inspected: This was the first inspection of the service since registration.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service and inspect in line with our usual timescales.