Meadowcroft Health Care Limited

Updated 14 December 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This was a comprehensive inspection that took place on 13 November 2017. The inspection team consisted of one inspector, a specialist advisor who was a registered nurse 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.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also reviewed information that we held about the service such as notifications, which are events which happened in the service that the provider is required to tell us about, and information that had been sent to us by other agencies. We also contacted commissioners (who fund the care people) of the service.

On the day of the inspection visit we spoke with three people who used the service about their experience about the service they received. We also used observation where appropriate to help us understand people's experience of the care and support they received.

We spoke with the registered manager, the provider's representative, a nurse employed at the service, an agency nurse, the cook, a housekeeper, one team leader, three care workers and an activity coordinator. We looked at all or parts of the care records of seven people along with other records relevant to the running of the service. This included the management of medicines, quality assurance audits, training information for staff and recruitment and deployment of staff, meeting minutes and arrangements for managing complaints.

After our inspection visit we contacted two relatives for their feedback about how the service met their family member’s needs. We also received feedback from an external healthcare professional.

Updated 14 December 2017

We inspected the service on 13 November 2017. Meadowcroft Health Care Limited 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. Meadowcroft Health Care Limited provides accommodation and personal care for up to 24 people with varying support needs including nursing and mental health care needs. Accommodation is provided in three buildings. On the day of our inspection 19 people were using the service.

At our last inspection in August 2015, the service was rated 'Good'. At this inspection we found that the service remained 'Good'.

People continued to receive a safe service. People who used the service and their relatives told us they felt safe and well cared for. Staff knew how to support people to remain safe and the registered provider had systems and processes in place to keep people safe from abuse and avoidable harm. Risks associated to people’s needs had been assessed and planned for and people were involved in these decisions. The environment including equipment was checked to ensure they were safe. There were sufficient staff available during the day but night time staffing levels and deployment required further reviewing. Safe staff recruitment checks were carried out before staff commenced employment. People received their prescribed medicines safely. Infection control measures were in place.

People continued to receive an effective service. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People were supported by staff that had received an appropriate induction and ongoing support and training. Developments were in place to improve mental health awareness training for staff. People’s nutritional needs were assessed and planned for and people received a choice of meals and drinks. Systems were in place to share information with external services and professionals when required. People received support to maintain their health. The adaptation and design of the home met people’s needs.

People continued to receive good care. People who used the service and relatives, spoke positively about the approach of staff whom they said were kind, caring and compassionate. People were involved as fully as possible in their care and treatment and staff respected their privacy and dignity. Independence was promoted and staff had a good understanding of people’s diverse needs, preferences, routines and personal histories. People were supported to access independent advocacy service when required.

People continued to receive a responsive service. People who used the service received opportunities to contribute to their assessment and reviews of their care and treatment. People’s care plans focussed on their individual needs, creating a person centred approach in the delivery of care and treatment. Further work was required to support people with identifying and achieving their future goals and aspirations. People had access to the registered provider’s complaints procedure and were confident about using this. People’s end of life wishes had been discussed with them.

The service continued to be well-led. An open and inclusive service was being developed; the registered manager had a clear vision and goal of how to continually improve the service. Staff felt listened to and supported to raise concerns and issues with the management team. People who used the service and relatives received opportunities to share their views and experience of the service. Audits were carried out and action plans put in place to address any issues which were identified.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and investigated. The provider had informed us of notifications. Notifications are events which have happened in the service that the provider is required to tell us about.