Harden Hall

Updated 24 August 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 Care Act 2014.

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.

Two inspectors and an assistant inspector carried out the inspection.

Service and service type

Harden Hall 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. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider is legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. 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. This information helps support our inspections. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We met with 12 people who used the service and six relatives. We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We spoke with 10 members of staff including care staff, domestic staff, registered manager and regional manager. We spoke with three health and social care professionals.

We reviewed a range of records. This included five people's care records and medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 24 August 2022

About the service

Harden Hall is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 54 people. The service provides support primarily to older people, some who are living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 53 people using the service.

Harden Hall is a purpose – built care service with accommodation and facilities on three floors.

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

People and their relatives were happy with the service. Risks to people were assessed and staff were aware of the action to take to minimise risks. People received their medicines safely. There were systems in place to monitor staffing levels and recruit staff safely. There were safeguarding procedures in place and staff and managers had a clear understanding of these procedures. A relative told us, “[Person’s name] is so well cared for, we are very happy with their care. It’s always a lovely atmosphere when we visit, calm and relaxed.”

Infection control procedures had been updated in line with COVID-19 guidance to help protect people, staff and visitors from the risk of infection. Where incidents or accidents occurred, there was evidence of analysis completed to determine what measures could be put in place to improve people’s safety.

People’s needs were assessed prior to them using the service. Staff received the training and support they needed to carry out their role safely and effectively. People were supported to eat a balanced diet and to maintain their health. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff provided them with care in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service promoted this practice.

Staff were kind and caring and treated people with respect. Staff worked well as a team and were responsive to people’s needs. A relative told us, “They [staff] are very good. They are kind and caring and know what they are doing.”

There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of people’s care. People received care that met their needs.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, (published on 13 September 2018)

Why we inspected

We undertook this inspection as part of a random selection of services which have had a recent Direct Monitoring Approach (DMA) assessment where no further action was needed to seek assurance about this decision and to identify learning about the DMA process.

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.