Archived: Adult Social Care Suite - Waters Ward

Adult Social Care Suite - Waters Ward is a residential care service within the grounds of Bridlington Hospital. The service can support up to 18 people who no longer need to be in an acute health care setting and are awaiting a package of care to return to their own home or awaiting admission to a care home. There were 12 people staying at the service at the time of our inspection. Eight of these beds will be used as part of the designated scheme.

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

People were not always receiving a service that provided them with safe, caring, responsive, well led care. We received mixed feedback from people about their experiences at the service. Some people’s experiences were positive, however other people did not experience this same level of care or support.

Staff were not always recruited safely and appropriate checks on staff were not always completed. We have made a recommendation about this. Accidents and incidents were monitored by the provider. However, lessons learnt were not completed to support the service to avoid reoccurrence or improve practice. We have made a recommendation about this.

People were isolated upon their admission. The provider had not considered the impact of this on people’s wellbeing. We have made a recommendation about this. People lacked stimulating activities to support their wellbeing. The provider had a variety of activities available, but these were not always utilised. We have made a recommendation about this

There were sufficient staff, with the right skills to support people to remain safe. Staff used their knowledge of safeguarding systems well to support people’s recovery.

Care and support was tailored to meet people's specific needs; however, some care plans and risk assessments were not completed in a timely manner.

People were supported with their dietary needs. Staff enabled people to access health care and support services. 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.

Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the service. The provider understood their responsibilities and notified the Care Quality Commission (CQC) when needed. Staff received support to enable them to carry out their role effectively. People, relatives and staff had a say in how the service was run. The provided worked well with others to provide people with joined up care.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 18/10/2021 and this is the first rated inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about medicines, staffing and management oversight. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

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.

We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvements. Please see the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led sections of this full report.

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.

We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.

We found the following examples of good practice.

Measures had been put in place to reduce the risk of infections spreading. This included having non touch equipment such as hand sanitizers and temperature checks. Air filters had been installed to promote greater air filtration by removing particles and debris from the air.

The service was clean and free from malodours. Enhanced cleaning schedules were in place including regular cleaning of 'high touch areas' and cleaning equipment was disposable.

Social distancing was promoted throughout the service through the organisation of rooms and clear signage and markings.

Clear procedures were in place for separate zones with the appropriate measures in place. There was guidance and signage around the service on what personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used in which areas, in line with government guidelines. Staff had received training and had good knowledge on what PPE to wear and the correct procedures for donning and doffing PPE.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.