Rowan/Beech House

Updated 3 December 2020

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

This inspection took place on 11 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 3 December 2020

At our last inspection on 25 July 2014 we rated the service good. At this inspection, on 9 and 16 January 2017, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Rowan House and Beech House provides care and support for nine people who have mental health needs. There were nine people using the service when we visited. Rowan/Beech House comprises of two residential care homes in different locations but within close proximity to each other. Both homes are terrace housing over two floors with a well-kept back garden area.

People told us that they felt safe within the service and well supported by staff. We saw positive and friendly interactions between staff and people. People were treated with dignity and respect.

Procedures relating to safeguarding people from harm were in place and staff understood what to do and how to report it if people were at risk of harm. Information on how to report any safeguarding issues was clearly displayed in each home.

The homes were aware of how to ensure infection control when working with people. Staff were supplied with gloves and aprons to ensure that people were safe.

People were supported to maintain a healthy lifestyle and had healthcare appointments that met their needs. These were recorded and monitored on a regular basis. Medicines were administered safely and on time. Staff had completed training in medicines administration.

Staff received regular supervision and an annual appraisal that helped them identify areas for learning and development. Supervisions and appraisals were used as an opportunity for staff to improve care practices.

People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

There were person centred care plans that allowed staff to provide appropriate support to people. Care plans stated people’s likes and dislikes and contained detailed life histories and information regarding people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Staff knew people well and displayed caring and warm attitudes. Staff understood how to work with each person according to their individual needs. People were treated with dignity and respect.

The homes had detailed quality assurance systems in place. Regular audits around medicines, care plans and risk assessments and the environment were completed with action plans to ensure and issues found were addressed.

There were systems in place to identify maintenance issues. Staff were aware of how to report and follow up maintenance.

The homes had an open a transparent management style. There were regular staff meetings and staff felt comfortable raising any issues and felt that they were listened to. Directors and the registered manager held meetings and feedback sessions for staff and people. Surveys sent to people and relatives received positive feedback.