Upton Cottage

Updated 4 August 2023

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

This inspection was unannounced and was undertaken by 1 inspector.

Service and service type

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

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced. We visited the service on the 23 and the 26 June 2023.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about 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.

During the inspection

During the inspection we spoke with the registered manager and 7 members of staff. We reviewed a range of records including 3 care plans and 2 staff files in relation to recruitment. Various policies, procedures and quality assurance paperwork. We spent time talking to 8 people as they went about their daily routines and activities. Following the inspection we gained feedback from 4 relatives and 1 health and social care professional.

Updated 4 August 2023

About the service

Upton Cottage is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 16 people. At the time of our inspection there were 16 people using the service. The building is over 4 floors with a conservatory, dining area, lounge and offices in the basement area.

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

Right 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. Although we found some improvements were required to the quality assurance systems relating to the management of medicines, risk assessments, and the safe disposal of personal protective equipment.

Right Care:

People were supported to receive person centred care that promoted their dignity and privacy and encouraged their independence. People were supported by staff to attend appointments and have referrals to health and social care professionals. People’s care plans contained important information such as likes and dislikes and their individual routines.

Right Culture:

People were supported by staff and management who knew them well. People’s views were sought through customer satisfaction surveys and meetings. People were spoken with in a calm and respectful manner. People were encouraged to be independent including accessing the local community such as shops, restaurants and use public transport if safe to do so.

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was Good August 2017. At this inspection we found the service was requires Improvement.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted as we had not inspected this service since 2017.

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.

You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

Enforcement and Recommendations

We have identified a breach in relation to regulation 17 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 from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety.

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.

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