Updated 27 August 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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
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 undertaken by one inspector, a nurse specialist advisor and an Expert by Experience who rang relatives for feedback about the service. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
High Meadows is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. High Meadows is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Registered Manager
This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.
At the time of our inspection the registered manager had just left their post. However, the provider had employed a new manager who was due to start working in the service in October 2022.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the 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 (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with seven people and four relatives. We spoke with six members of staff including the deputy manager, nurses, care workers and domestic staff. We also spoke with two healthcare professionals who visited the service.
We reviewed a range of records. This included six people's care records and seven people’s medicines 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 spoke with 13 relatives and one social care professional emailed us with feedback of their experience of the service.