Archived: Highgate Care Home

Updated 24 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 25 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 24 April 2021

The inspection took place on 10 and 11 July 2018 and was unannounced. The service was last inspected on 12 April 2016, where we found the provider met all the legal requirements but was rated requires improvement in Well-led domain. Following the last inspection, we carried out a focused inspection on 21 August 2017 which was prompted in part by notification of an incident following which a person who used the service had died and the incident indicated potential concerns about the management of risks in relation to the safety of the premises. At the focused inspection, we found the provider to be in breach of a regulation in relation to good governance.

Following the last inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key question Well-led to at least good. At the inspection on 10 and 11 July 2018, we found that the provider had made improvements.

Mary Feilding Guild is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Mary Feilding Guild is registered to provide accommodation and personal care support to 43 people in an adapted building across five separate units, each of which have separate living areas and outdoor spaces including terraces, and a communal garden. Mary Feilding Guild is set up to provide a service to people who can maintain an independent lifestyle. People’s rooms have ensuite and kitchenette facilities. At the time of our inspection, 35 people were living at the service.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People told us they felt safe living at the service. Relatives told us staff supported people safely. Staff were trained in safeguarding, health and safety and first aid. They knew their responsibilities in keeping people safe from avoidable harm and abuse. People’s risk assessments and risk management plans provided sufficient support to staff on how to minimise risks to people. People were supported with medicines by well trained staff. The provider had robust processes in place to record and learn from accidents and incidents. Staff wore correct personal protective equipment whilst providing care to avoid the risk of spread of infection. The service was clean and there was no malodour. The provider had made several premises improvements and were undergoing additional building works to ensure people and staff safety. Staffing levels during daytime were sufficient however staff told us night time staffing levels were not enough. We have made a recommendation in relation to staffing numbers.

People’s needs were appropriately assessed before they moved to the service permanently. Staff were aware of people’s needs and abilities. They received regular supervision and training to support people with their individual needs. People told us their needs were met and were happy with nutrition and hydration support. Most people told us they liked the food. The premises were adapted to meet people’s individual needs. The provider had processes in place to ensure people who deemed to lack capacity were supported in line with the MCA principles. People were offered choices and their consent sought.

People and their relatives told us staff were caring, helpful and friendly. Staff were trained in equality and diversity and told us they treated people with dignity and respect. People’s religious and spiritual needs were met by staff when requested and recorded in their care plans. Staff supported people to lead independent lives and respected their privacy.

People’s care plans were person-centred and comprehensive. The provider offered people a varied range of stimulating group and individual activities. People and their relatives knew how to raise concerns and complaints. The provider kept accurate records of complaints.

People, their relatives and staff told us the service was well managed and management was approachable. People and their relatives were asked for their feedback and the findings were used to improve the service. There were clear records of audits and checks to ensure the quality of care and people’s safety. The provider worked with healthcare professionals and other organisations to improve the service and people’s well-being.