Stewton House Nursing Home

Stewton House Nursing home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 48 people in one adapted building. The service provides support to older people some of whom are living with a physical disability or receiving end of life care. At the time of our inspection there were 41 people using the service.

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

The provider had not informed the local authority safeguarding adults' team and CQC of safeguarding concerns. People were at risk of entrapment from bed rails. Environmental safety measures such as window restrictors or appropriate risk assessments were not always in place. People did not always receive their medicines safely. Relatives and staff felt there was not always enough staff on duty. Lessons were not always learnt following incidents and accidents. Staff did not always use personal protective equipment effectively.

Systems and processes to ensure consistent quality assurance such as auditing of medicines and incidents and accidents were not always effective. There was limited assurance around management oversight and ensuring risks to people were mitigated in line with people's care plans. People using the service had limited ways in which they could give feedback on their experiences of the care provided. There was evidence the provider worked in partnership with external professionals.

People had positive mealtime experiences and their nutritional needs were met. In addition, staff received supervision and training from the provider. The environment was well maintained, and people could personalise their rooms.

People and their relatives felt the staff were caring. We observed people being treated with dignity and respect. People were encouraged to be involved in their care and their independence was promoted.

Care plans contained information promoting people's care and communication needs being met. People could access activities and visits from relatives were supported to minimise the risk of social isolation. There were systems to manage complaints and concerns. People had appropriate plans in place for end-of-life care and support.

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 18 June 2021 and this is the first inspection since the sale and transfer from the previous provider.

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.

Enforcement

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 in relation to safeguarding, safe care and treatment and good governance at this inspection. Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.

Follow up

We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.