Birchams Grange

Updated 20 June 2019

The inspection: 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.

Inspection team: The inspection was carried out by one 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: Birchams Grange is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service is required to have a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. At the time of our inspection, there was a registered manager in post. The registered manager and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection: The inspection visit was unannounced

What we did when preparing for and carrying out this inspection:

Before the inspection visit, we reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included information about incidents the provider must notify us of, such as any allegations of abuse. We sought feedback on the service from the local authority and local Healthwatch.

During the inspection, we spent time with people in the communal areas of the home and we saw how staff supported the people they cared for.

We spoke with five people who lived at the service, two relatives, two health and social care professionals, and an external training provider. We also spoke with the registered manager, the office manager, the housekeeper, the cook, a senior care staff member and five care staff.

We reviewed a range of records. These included four people's care files, medicines records, accident and incident records, complaints records, and two staff recruitment records. We also looked at staff training records, records associated with the safety of the premises and quality assurance records.

Updated 20 June 2019

About the service:

Birchams Grange is a care home that provides personal care for up to 29 older people who may have physical disabilities and/or be living with dementia, within a large adapted building. At the time of our

inspection visit, there were 26 people living at the home.

People's experience of using this service:

Staff understood how to recognise and report abuse. Risks associated with the premises, the care equipment used and people's individual care needs had been assessed and reviewed, and plans were in place to manage these. Staffing levels meant people’s needs could be met safely. Systems and procedures were in place designed to ensure people received their medicines safely. We identified the need for improved recording in relation to the use of people’s topical medicines, and the management team assured us this would be addressed as a matter of priority. The provider had taken steps to protect people, staff and visitors from the risk of infections.

People's care needs were assessed before they moved into the home and then kept under review to achieve positive outcomes for them. Staff received an initial induction followed by ongoing training and supervision to enable them to fulfil their duties. People had support to choose what they ate and drink, and the risks associated with their eating and drinking were assessed and addressed. Staff and management helped people to access healthcare services and attend routine medical appointments. The home’s environment was clean, fresh-smelling and well-maintained.

Staff treated people with kindness and compassion and promoted their rights to dignity and respect. Staff and management understood the need to promote equality and diversity within the service. People's individual communication needs were assessed, and they were encouraged to express their views about the service.

People's care plans were individual to them and covered key aspects of their care needs. Staff understood the need to read and follow these. People had support to participate in a range of social and recreational activities. People and their relatives understood how to raise any concerns or complaints with the provider. Procedures were in place to identify people’s wishes regarding their future care.

The provider had quality assurance systems and processes in place to enable them monitor and, where necessary, improve the safety and quality of people's care. The management team promoted open communication and effective engagement with people, their relatives and community professionals. Staff felt well-supported and valued by the management team.

We found the service met the requirements for 'Good' in all areas. For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Rating at last inspection: At the last comprehensive inspection, the service was rated as 'Good' (inspection report published on 26 July 2016). At this inspection, the overall rating of the service has remained 'Good'.

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the service's previous rating.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any information of concern is received, we may inspect sooner.