Eachstep Blackley

Updated 6 April 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

The inspection was carried out by two inspectors, a medicines inspector 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.

Service and service type

Eachstep Blackley is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Eachstep Blackley is a care home with 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

The first day of the inspection was unannounced. Inspection activity started on 7 February 2023 and ended on 21 February 2023. We visited the service on the 7 and 8 February 2023.

What we did before the inspection

The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection

We spoke with 6 people who used the service, 9 relatives and 15 members of staff. These included the registered manager, deputy manager, nursing staff, senior care staff, care staff, domestic and laundry staff and volunteers. We also spoke with an advanced nurse practitioner from the ‘Go to Doc’ team.

We reviewed a range of records. This included care records, medication management, staff personnel files in relation to recruitment, monitoring systems as well as health and safety checks. Further clarification of staffing arrangements, health and safety checks and medication concerns were sought following our visit. This information was reviewed remotely.

Updated 6 April 2023

About the service

Eachstep Blackley is a care home providing personal and nursing care. The service can support up to 60 people. The home has two nursing households and three residential households for people living with dementia across three floors. Each household is able to accommodate up to 12 people. Each household has a kitchen, dining and lounge area. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, with adapted bathing facilities available on each floor. At the time of our inspection there were 58 people living at the home.

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

We have made a recommendation about the records held in relation to people’s prescribed medicines. Issues related to the supply of stock was being addressed with the supplying pharmacist. Additional training on the new electronic systems had been arranged for staff.

People we spoke with felt enough staff were available. From our observations and staff feedback we found staffing levels provided little flexibility. Managers told us dependency levels were continually reviewed; staffing levels determined were reflected on the rotas.

People and their relatives spoke positively about the staff and the care and support provided. People said staff treated them with dignity and respect. From our observations, interactions with people and visitors were polite and friendly. People’s relatives knew who managers were and felt confident in raising any issues should they need to.

Where possible, people and their relatives were involved in planning their care and support. Electronic care records were detailed and kept under review. Handwritten care plans and monitoring charts were not always kept up to date. Plans were in place to transfer information to the new electronic system.

Capacity assessments and best interest decisions were in place covering people’s 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.

Activity staff were employed to facilitate activities and opportunities within the home. Participation varied depending on people’s abilities. People and their relatives also had access to the dementia café and support club.

People’s current and changing needs were met. Relevant healthcare support was provided to guide and support staff. People were encouraged to eat a healthy diet. Additional advice and support had been sought where people were at nutritional risk. Additional staff were to be provided at mealtimes to help assist those people who required support with their meal.

Safe staff recruitment procedures were in place. Staff said they worked with a good team that supported each other. Managers were described as ‘visible’ and said to provide good support. Opportunities for training and supervision were provided to support staff. Staff felt there was good communication and they were kept well informed.

Regular audits and checks were completed to monitor the service. Safe systems for the recording and responding to any safeguarding concerns and complaints were maintained.

Spacious accommodation was provided. Internal and external health and safety checks were carried out. Aids and adaptations were provided throughout to promote people’s independence. The home was clean with further improvements being made to enhance the environment and furnishings.

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 9 July 2019.

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.

Follow up

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