Redstacks

Updated 24 May 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 completed by one inspector, a specialist advisor in dementia 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

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

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 there was not a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with one person who use the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including the manager, deputy manager, a senior care worker and administration assistant.

We reviewed a range of records. This included four people's care records and multiple medicines records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and supervision. A variety of records in relation to the

management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

Following our visit, we spoke by telephone with the relatives of four people who used the service and two additional people who use the service about their experience of the care provided. We also spoke with one health professional. We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 24 May 2022

About the service

Redstacks is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 14 people in one adapted building. The service provides support to older people, including those with dementia related conditions. At the time of our inspection there were 12 people using the service.

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

A system was in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service, however this was not always effective in identifying and addressing issues.

Safety checks of the premises and equipment were not routinely carried out.

There were shortfalls in training to enable staff to carry out their roles effectively in line with people's individual assessed needs. We have made a recommendation in relation to specialist training.

Systems in place did not always support safe recruitment. We have made a recommendation in relation to recruitment practices.

People's care plans included risk assessments for known risks and staff followed support plans to help keep people safe.

Staff knew how to keep people safe from abuse and were confident to raise concerns with external agencies. When required, notifications had been completed to inform us of events and incidents.

There was a positive, caring culture within the service and we observed people were treated with dignity and respect.

Medicines were managed safely to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed and in line with national guidance.

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.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 12 February 2021, under a new provider and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 10 August 2018.

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.

We found evidence the provider needs to make improvements. You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

Enforcement and Recommendations

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.

We have identified breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This includes breaches in relation to safe care and treatment, environment safety and good governance.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.