13 June 2023
During a routine inspection
Primrose court nursing home is a care home providing residential and nursing care for up to 54 young adults and older people living with a mental health condition, dementia, physical disability or sensory impairment. Accommodation is across two floors, each of which has separate adapted facilities. The ground floor specialises in providing care to people who have a mental health condition. At the time of our inspection there were 46 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Improvements had been made across the service since the last inspection. People said they felt safe and were happy living at the service. There were enough staff on duty who knew people well. We have made recommendations about the systems in place to manage distress and agitation and the safe management of medicines.
Staff were supported to carry out their roles safely, working in-line with national guidance to care for people with long term conditions. The environment had been well-thought out for people living with dementia; improvement plans for the mental health unit were in place to further support people’s well-being needs. People spoke highly about the meal support they received. We have made a recommendation the provider reviews the mealtime experiences for people living with a dementia.
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.
Staff were kind, caring and compassionate in their approach with people. They encouraged and supported people to live fulfilled lives. Care was dignified and staff respected peoples wishes and preferences. They were supported to maintain contact with loved ones. A diverse culture was in place.
People received individualised care and support from staff who knew them well which supported them to be as independent as they wished to be. Care records needed continued development to ensure they were truly person-centred. People had opportunities each day to be involved in social activities and had access to transport to enjoy days out. We made a recommendation in relation to end of life care.
The provider had made significant improvements to the service since the last inspection. Quality assurance systems were effective in leading change and incorporated feedback from people, relatives, staff and health professionals. Leaders were visible and staff were proud to work at the service delivering care which improved people’s lives.
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 8 September 2022) and there were breaches of regulation. We issued two warning notices. The provider also 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 carried out to follow up on action we told the provider to take at the last inspection. We also received concerns in relation to the leadership and management of the service, the environment, risk management, dignity and respect, quality of care and staff conduct and training.
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.
The overall rating for the service has changed from requires improvement to good based on the findings of this inspection.
Recommendations
We have made recommendations in relation to the management of medicines, the systems in place to oversee the management of agitation and distress and the mealtime experience for people living with dementia.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.