Castle Grange

Updated 8 February 2023

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 completed by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. 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

Castle Grange 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. Castle Grange is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced. Inspection activity started on 11 January 2023 and ended on 27 January 2023. We visited the service on 11 and 18 January 2023.

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 Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. 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 7 people who used the service and 4 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with a visiting health professional and with 9 members of staff including care staff, the area manager, registered manager, cook, and domestic lead. We reviewed a range of records. This included 5 care plans, 5 staff files and records relating to the management of the service. We observed the medicines administration and management process including associated record keeping.

Updated 8 February 2023

Castle Grange is a residential care home providing accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care to up to 86 people. The service provides support to older people and younger adults, including people with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 69 people using the service.

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

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.

People told us they felt safe navigating the home and with the staff who supported them. Staff had received training in safeguarding and felt confident in the processes in place to report any concerns. Risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing had been assessed and staff understood how to help keep people safe.

The service was a modern build with a safe, homely environment. Risk assessments were used to keep staff and visitors safe and promoted good access to internal and external communal areas.

Medicines were managed and administered safely, with regular checks completed. We were assured by the measures taken to help ensure the prevention and control of infection. Where areas of the home required maintenance, actions were swiftly implemented to maintain standards. For example, to maintain a clean and pleasant environment.

Staff responded promptly and were attentive to people’s needs. The registered manager monitored staff deployment and ensured enough staff were always on duty. Ongoing recruitment meant there was a reduction on the reliance of agency staff which improved people’s experiences. Processes in place ensured staff recruitment was appropriate with a range pre-employment checks completed.

People were supported by caring, friendly staff who knew their needs well. People told us staff were skilled in their roles. Staff received required training and checks to ensure they followed best practice guidance.

People received an initial assessment of their needs. Care records included up to date information which evidenced people’s involvement with their care, support and regular reviews. Care provided was personalised and supported people’s preferences and wishes.

People’s health needs were being met. The service worked closely with other health professionals and external agencies to support them with their health and wellbeing. A health professional told us the service pro-actively sort external support to ensure people’s needs were met and responded positively to any guidance provided.

People and staff spoke positively about the management of the service and their openness to feedback. The management team was approachable, maintained regular communication, and listened to the views of others.

A range of audits and checks were completed to maintain and where required, implement any required improvements.

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

Rating at least inspection and update

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 18 November 2021). 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

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service. 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.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.