We carried out a review of the data available to us about Eachstep Blackley on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Eachstep Blackley, you can give feedback on this 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.
We found the following examples of good practice.
All staff, including domestic staff, received training in care, which meant they could be deployed for care tasks during emergencies.
Managers attempted to track the source of COVID-19 in cases among staff and people at the home, which they shared with the local health protection team. This helped them assess the level of risk and determine control measures.
The provider created a separate unit for people the end of their lives who were admitted to hospital with COVID-19. This meant they could be discharged back to the home, supported by staff they knew, and receive visitors.
The provider’s business continuity plan identified staff wellbeing as a potential risk to consider and monitor.
As part of emergency planning, the home had purchased extra mattresses and bedding in case staff needed to stay overnight, and the registered manager kept a packed suitcase at the home for the same reason.