• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Thornton Manor Nursing Home

Overall: Requires improvement read more about inspection ratings

Thornton Green Lane, Thornton Le Moors, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 4JQ (01244) 301762

Provided and run by:
Mr Barry Potton

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

28 May 2021

During a routine inspection

About the service

Thornton Manor Nursing Home is a care home that is set in its own grounds and located close to a rural village of Thornton-le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to 47 people. At the time of our inspection there were 40 people living at the home.

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

There were a lack of robust systems to demonstrate quality assurance was in place and effectively managed. Governance systems in place had failed to identify the concerns we found and whilst regular checks and audits were in place, they were not effective at driving improvement.

People’s care plans and risk assessments were not all up to date and did not always reflect their up to date needs. Language within care records was not always dignified or person centred.

Some areas of the environment were unsafe due to items that needed to be replaced or disposed of. The registered manager immediately addressed these issues.

The provider had commenced a refurbishment programme. However, we found multiple areas within the service where paintwork, flooring and furniture was damaged.

Safe recruitment procedures were in place. A clear training plan was in place to ensure staff revisited all mandatory training due to this not being up to date.

The staff and management team worked closely with health and social care professionals to ensure good outcomes for people.

Medication was managed safely by trained and competent staff. Medicines policies and procedures were available for staff along with best practice guidance. Medicines trolleys were stored securely.

People were protected from the risk of abuse. Safeguarding policies and procedures were in place and staff had received training to understand how to keep people safe. Staff told us they felt confident to identify and raise any concerns they had about people's safety. They believed the management team would take action.

Family members told us they felt their relatives were safe living at the home. They spoke positively about the staff that supported their relatives. People appeared happy with the care home and the staff that provided their care.

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.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection (and update)

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 3 December 2020) and there were two breaches of regulation. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had not been made and the provider was still in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

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.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Thornton Manor Nursing Home on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Enforcement

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service.

We have identified breaches in relation to environmental risks as well as risks to people and also a lack of robust systems to identify areas for development and improvement at this inspection.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will meet with the provider following this report being published to discuss how they will make changes to ensure they improve their rating to at least good. We will work with the local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

25 February 2021

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Thornton Manor nursing home is a care home that is set in its own grounds and located close to a rural village of Thornton-le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to 47 people. At the time of our inspection there were 38 people living at the home.

We found the following examples of good practice.

¿ Comments from relatives included; "I cannot fault the staff as they have been so patient and understanding", "[Name] looked so clean and well cared for", "Staff always keep me updated and give me lots of information."

¿ Relatives told us they had previously participated in garden visits and inside pod visits with screens in place. They said these were pre booked and well managed. Comments included; "I visited on Saturday and the process was very clear" and "The nurse that undertook my lateral flow test was wonderful."

¿ All visitors were asked to complete a health screening form, have their temperature checked and were provided with face masks to wear throughout their visit. Full personal protective equipment (PPE) was available for all visitors along with access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser.

¿ The service had procedures and protocols in place which ensured people were admitted safely in accordance with national guidance.

¿ The service had increased the cleaning schedules and routines to reduce the risks of cross infection. The environment was mostly clean and hygienic.

¿ We observed staff to be wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the inspection.

¿ People and staff were taking part in regular COVID19 testing.

¿ People had individual risk assessments in place that reflected their specific needs in relation to COVID19.

¿ Staff had all received training to meet the requirements of their role and for the management of COVID19.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

3 November 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

About the service

Thornton Manor nursing home is a care home that is set in its own grounds and located close to a rural village of Thornton-le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to 47 people. At the time of our inspection there were 37 people living at the home.

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

A lack of robust governance and daily management oversight had resulted in issues relating to the quality and safety of the care people received. Governance systems in place had failed to identify the concerns we found and whilst regular checks and audits were in place, they were not effective at driving improvement.

The registered manager and deputy manager were aware of current PPE guidance and staff had received infection control training. However, we observed two staff were not always wearing masks appropriately. We have made a recommendation about this.

Safe recruitment procedures were in place. A clear training plan was in place to ensure staff revisited all mandatory training due to this not being up to date. The staff and management team worked closely with health and social care professionals to ensure good outcomes for people.

Medication was managed safely by trained and competent staff. Medication administration records (MARs) were fully completed and regularly reviewed. Medicines policies and procedures were available for staff along with best practice guidance. Medicines trolleys were not secured to the wall and cabinets within the medicines room did not have locks in place in accordance with best practice guidelines.

People were protected from the risk of abuse. Safeguarding policies and procedures were in place and staff had received training on how to keep people safe. Staff were completing training updates. Staff told us they felt confident to identify and raise any concerns they had about people’s safety. They believed prompt action would be taken.

Family members told us they felt their relatives were safe living at the home and felt confident they would be contacted if staff had any concerns. People appeared happy with the care home and the staff that provided their care.

Staff assessed and reduced risks as much as possible, and there was equipment in place to help people remain as independent as possible.

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 this service was Good (published 14 August 2018).

Why we inspected

We reviewed the information we held about this service and a decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

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 coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.

The overall rating for the service has changed from Good to Requires Improvement. This is based on the findings at this inspection.

We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvement. Please see the list of relevant key question sections of this full report.

You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

We have identified breaches in relation to the management of health and safety and the overall governance systems of the service. Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

28 June 2018

During a routine inspection

This inspection was carried out on 28 June 2018 and 5 July 2018 and was unannounced on the first day and announced on the second day.

Thornton Manor nursing home is a private home that is set in its own grounds and located close to a rural village of Thornton-le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to 47 people. At the time of our inspection there were 43 people living at the home.

The home has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have a legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the last inspection in January 2017 we found that there were a number of improvements needed in relation to accurate and contemporaneous records and effective auditing procedures. These were a breach of Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

Following the last inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key questions of Responsive and Well-Led to at least good. The provider sent us an action plan that specified how they would meet the requirements of the identified breaches. During this inspection we found all the required improvements had been made.

This inspection was done to check that improvements had been made to meet the legal requirements planned by the registered provider after our comprehensive inspection in January 2017. One adult social care inspector visited the home and inspected it against all of the five questions we ask about services: is the service Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led? We found that the registered provider was meeting all of the legal requirements.

Each person living at the home had a care plan and risk assessments in place that reflected their individual assessed needs. People’s needs that related to age, disability, religion or other protected characteristics were considered three out the assessment and care planning process. Care plans included clear guidance to staff that ensured people’s needs were appropriately met. Staff were knowledgeable about people’s individual needs and histories. Essential records that included repositioning charts and well-being checks were consistently completed and reviewed regularly by the management team. When required end-of-life care plans were in place and people’s expressed wishes were clearly documented.

Effective audit systems were in place that were consistently completed. Areas for development and improvement were identified where required and action plans were prepared and completed. Accidents and incidents were analysed to identify trends and patterns within the service.

Recruitment systems at the service were safe and robust. Sufficient staff were employed to meet the assessed needs of people living at the home. All staff had undertaken an induction and had completed mandatory training in accordance with best practice guidelines. Additional completed training had included managing cardiac arrest and dementia which supported staff to meet the needs of the people living at the home. Staff were supported by the management team through supervision, team meetings and departmental meetings. Staff told us that they felt well supported.

Safeguarding policies and procedures were in place and staff were familiar with these. Staff were able to describe what abuse may look like and felt confident to raise any concerns and thought they would be listened to.

The registered provider had medicines policies and procedures in place. Medicines were ordered, stored, administered and disposed of in accordance with best practice guidelines. Staff the administered medicines had all completed training and had their competency assessed.

People told us that they enjoyed the food and drink available at the home. We observed the dining experience and found that people were offered choice, staff offered the appropriate level of support and it was an overall positive experience. Clear guidance was in place for staff to follow the people that had specific dietary needs.

The Care Quality Commission is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and report on what we found. We saw that the registered provider had policies and guidance available to staff in relation to the MCA. Staff demonstrated a basic understanding of this and had all completed training. The registered provider had made appropriate applications for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS). Care records reviewed included mental capacity assessments and best interest meetings.

Staff knew people well and treated them with kindness and compassion. People told us their privacy and dignity was respected and they valued this. People were consistently offered choice throughout their day from where they would like to sit, what activity they would like to participate in and what they would like to eat and drink.

People had activities available to participate in that included a ‘Pet’s Corner’ that was accessible to everyone living at the home.

The registered provider had a clear complaints policy that people and their relatives knew how to access and they told us they felt confident any concerns would be listened to.

Thornton Manor had dementia friendly adaptations in place to stimulate the environment for people living with dementia. The home was clean and well maintained and had all required health and safety checks in place. Equipment was regularly serviced and individual emergency evacuation plans were in place for people.

6 December 2016

During a routine inspection

This inspection was carried out on 6 December 2016 and was unannounced.

Thornton Manor nursing home is a private home that is set in its own grounds and located close to the rural village of Thornton-Le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to forty seven people. At the time of our inspection there were forty one people living at the service.

There was a registered manager that had oversight of the whole service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the last inspection on 28 and 29 July 2016 we found that a number of improvements were needed in relation to people not being protected from the risk of unsafe, restrictive care and treatment as well as poor management of infection control. People were not always supported or treated in a dignified way and consent to care and treatment was not always sought. People were not protected from the risk of receiving inadequate care as the quality assurance systems were not effective. We asked the registered provider to take action to address these areas.

After the inspection, the registered provider wrote to us to say what they would do to meet legal requirements in relation to the breaches identified. They informed us they would meet all the relevant legal requirements by November 2016. This inspection found that improvements had been made. Whilst we found improvements in most areas, the registered provider had not demonstrated full compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (regulated activities) 2014. You can see what action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

The registered provider had introduced a number of quality assurance audits since our last inspection visit. Further improvements were needed to make sure that they were effectively used in accordance with the registered providers own timescales to ensure the quality and safety of the care provided to people. Information relating to fluid intake in supplementary records was not always analysed and used to prevent the risk of dehydration.

Staff were able to describe the care and support people required. Daily records were completed in detail to reflect what care and support people had received on a daily basis. Care plans that had been reviewed since our last visit contained up to date, personalised information relating to the health and care needs of each person supported. However, we found that some care plans were task orientated and had limited information about how a person preferred their care and support to be delivered. This meant that people could experience care that was not in line with their wishes, needs and preferences if supported by staff less familiar with them.

People were safe. Staff understood what is meant by abuse and the different forms it can take. Staff knew the process for reporting any concerns they had and for ensuring people were protected from abuse. Staff told us they would not hesitate to raise concerns and they felt confident that they would be dealt with appropriately.

People were provided with appropriate dietary options. During meal times people received appropriate levels of support from staff. People made positive comments about the quality of the food available. However, the mealtime experience required further improvements to be made. This had been recognised and was being addressed by the registered provider.

People received support with their medication. Records relating to the management of medication were up to date and accurate. Care plans relating to PRN (as required) medication were in place. They provided clear written guidance for staff to follow to establish when and how PRN medication would be required to be given.

Staff had an improved understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Care records that had been reviewed contained information about how people could be involved in decision making. Mental capacity assessments had been completed as required by the MCA. Best interests meetings had taken place and records outlined how decisions for people who lacked capacity had been made in their best interests.

Individual risk assessments were completed to ensure people supported, relevant others and staff were protected from the risk of harm. Risk assessments were in place to identify if people were at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Appropriate pressure relieving equipment was in situ and regular safety checks had been introduced. Checks were completed daily by staff. This meant that people were protected from the risk of developing further skin problems as incorrect settings or faults on equipment were identified and corrected quickly.

Improvements had been made relating to the management of infection control. Cleaning and maintenance schedules had been introduced and were effectively managed. The service was visibly clean and areas of concern we raised during our last inspection regarding repairs and the replacement of furniture and fittings had been addressed.

Dementia friendly adaptations and items of interaction had been introduced within the environment to support people living with dementia to remain independent. Signage using both pictures and words and memory boxes supported people with way finding around the service.

Staff had attended training sessions in areas such as moving and handling, MCA/DoLS, diabetes and safeguarding adults to update their knowledge and skills. Staff confirmed that they felt more supported since our last inspection and had the opportunity through their supervision to talk about areas of development. Records confirmed that supervisions and team meetings had been held at the service.

Staff worked well with external health and social care professionals to ensure people received the care and support they needed. People were referred on to the appropriate service when concerns about their health or wellbeing were noted.

People told us that staff always treated them with kindness and respect. They told us that staff were mindful of their privacy and dignity and encouraged them to maintain their independence.

Safe and robust recruitment procedures were completed by the registered provider. A range of checks to ensure staff were suitable to work with people who may be seen as vulnerable were completed. Staffing levels were continuously reviewed to ensure people were safely supported and protected from the risk of harm.

CQC were notified as required about incidents and events which had occurred at the service.

28 July 2016

During a routine inspection

This inspection was carried out on the 28 and 29 July 2016 and was unannounced.

Thornton Manor nursing home is a private home that is set in its own grounds and located close to the rural village of Thornton –Le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to forty seven people. At the time of our inspection there were forty four people living at the service.

There was a registered manager in post at the service since 2011. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the last inspection on 5 January 2016 we found that a number of improvements were needed at the service. These were in relation to the failure to assess and mitigate risks to people, poor management of infection control and cleanliness, a failure to ensure that people were always treated with dignity and respect and failing to ensure records were personalised. Following our inspection the registered provider wrote to us and informed us they would meet all the relevant legal requirements by the end of May 2016.

We also issued the registered provider and registered manager with a warning notice as records did not accurately reflect the care and support people required and quality assurance systems were not robust. We instructed both parties to meet all relevant legal requirements by 13 May 2016.

During our inspection we found that the registered provider had not demonstrated full compliance with the Health and Social care Act 2008 (regulated activities) 2014. We found that improvements had not been sustained and the registered provider was not meeting legal requirements. We identified a number of breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) 2014. CQC are now considering the appropriate regulatory response to the concerns we found. We will publish the actions we have taken at a later date.

People told us that they felt safe living at the service. Staff had an understanding of different types of abuse, how to safeguard people from abuse and how and who to report concerns too. However, areas we had previously raised relating to poor practice, institutional and restrictive practices had not been identified or addressed at the service. During our visit we asked a senior staff member to raise areas of concern we found to the local authority safeguarding team.

The service was not clean. Several areas across the building, including bathrooms were dirty. Equipment, fixtures and fittings were rusty, dirty or in need of repair, replacement or deep cleaning. Carpets and flooring in several areas of the home had an unpleasant smell or required replacing due to wear, tear and damage. Coats worn to access the kitchen for infection control reasons were dirty and stained. The management of infection control was poor.

Sufficient checks were not made on pressure relieving equipment. Sixteen people used pressure relieving mattresses and we found that the settings for seven people were incorrect. One pressure mattress was unplugged from the power and this had not been identified by staff. Care plans did not evidence the correct pressure levels required for individuals. People were at an increased risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Risks to people’s health and safety were not always identified. Where people had experienced significant weight loss or refused treatment for the management of diabetes staff had failed to access support and advice from relevant health professionals to minimise any further risks. Care plans failed to identify the specific equipment people required to support them with their mobility.

People received their medication as prescribed. People’s medication administration records (MAR) had been appropriately signed when medication was given. Medication was stored in a safe and secure way. However, care plans for PRN (as required) medication were not in place for staff guidance. This meant that staff would not know when to give people their PRN medication, or at what dosage. This placed people at risk of having their medicine administered incorrectly.

Staff showed a basic understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The registered provider did not have a policy and procedure in place with regards to the MCA. Staff practice showed that consent was sought from people prior to care and support being provided. Care plans did not reflect how people’s consent; ability to make specific decisions and decisions made in their best interests was considered. DoLS applications we reviewed completed by the registered manager had not considered the use of bedrails as a restrictive practice.

The mealtime experience varied across both floors. People who lived on the first floor were not able to sit at a dining room table to have their meal. The registered provider has confirmed that an additional dining room space has been introduced since we visited. Staff approach varied across the service. We found that staff on the first floor were task orientated in their approach and cultural practices and routines had been developed.

The service is advertised as a dementia specialist service. We found that the environment was not dementia friendly and no adaptions had been made to aid and support people who are living with dementia.

Records were not personalised and did not reflect people’s individual preferences about how they would like their care and support to be provided. The registered provider had introduced supplementary records (day charts) which were used to record food and fluid intake and repositioning. We found that charts were not completed effectively by staff. There were gaps of up to 15 hours where no food, fluid or repositioning had been recorded. Information relating to what people had eaten and drank was not completed in detail to accurately reflect what they had consumed. This meant that the registered provider was not able to safely protect people from the risks of dehydration, inadequate nutrition and the development of pressure areas.

The quality assurance system in place was not effective and did not monitor the quality of care and facilities provided to people who used the service. We found continued issues as part of our inspection relating to the management of infection control and the overall condition of the environment. Audits completed by the registered manager had not identified or addressed concerns relating to the environment. Accidents and incidents were recorded on a monthly analysis, however there were no actions recorded to identify that the registered manager had considered risks, patterns or changes required to people’s care needs. There were no actions identified to keep people safe from harm. Independent quality checks were not completed by the registered provider.

The registered provider had failed to display the CQC report and ratings following our previous inspection at the service and on their website. These are required to be made available for public viewing by the registered provider.

People and their family members told us that they knew how to raise a complaint and felt confident that the staff and management would act upon them immediately. The registered provider had a complaints policy and procedure in place and records showed that complaints had been dealt with appropriately.

The overall rating for this service is ‘Inadequate’ and the service is therefore in ‘special measures’.

Services in special measures will be kept under review and, if we have not taken immediate action to propose to cancel the provider’s registration of the service, will be inspected again within six months.

The expectation is that providers found to have been providing inadequate care should have made significant improvements within this timeframe.

If not enough improvement is made within this timeframe so that there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall, we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures to begin the process of preventing the provider from operating this service. This will lead to cancelling their registration or to varying the terms of their registration within six months if they do not improve. This service will continue to be kept under review and, if needed, could be escalated to urgent enforcement action. Where necessary, another inspection will be conducted within a further six months, and if there is not enough improvement so there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall, we will take action to prevent the provider from operating this service. This will lead to cancelling their registration or to varying the terms of their registration.

For adult social care services the maximum time for being in special measures will usually be no more than 12 months. If the service has demonstrated improvements when we inspect it and it is no longer rated as inadequate for any of the five key questions it will no longer be in special measures.

5 January 2016

During a routine inspection

This inspection was carried out on the 5 January 2016 and was unannounced.

Thornton Manor nursing home is a private home that is set in its own grounds and located close to the rural village of Thornton –Le-Moors between Ellesmere Port and Chester. The service is based over two floors and is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to forty seven people. At the time of our inspection there were forty four people living at the service.

At the last inspection on 10 February 2015 we found that there were a number of improvements needed in relation to: Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), security of records and the safe storage and use of equipment. We asked the registered provider to take action to make a number of improvements. After the inspection, the registered provider wrote to us to say what they would do to meet legal requirements in relation to the breaches identified. They informed us they would meet all the relevant legal requirements by the 30 May 2015. However, whilst the registered provider has made some improvements, they had not fully addressed all of the actions outlined in their own action plan. We found a number of breaches and two continued breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) 2014. You can see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of the report.

The service has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People told us they felt safe at the service. Relatives told us that they were reassured that when they left to go home their loved ones would be cared for and protected from harm. Staff knew the process for reporting any concerns they had and for ensuring people were protected from abuse. Staff told us they would not hesitate to raise concerns. The registered provider has systems in place to ensure that safeguarding incidents and complaints were reported to the relevant authorities.

We saw that bedrooms and communal areas on the ground floor were clean and tidy. However we found that areas on the first floor of the service were not clean. Several areas were dirty and in need of a deep clean. The management of infection control and corresponding records required improvements to be made.

The registered manager and staff showed a basic understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The registered provider did have policy and procedures in place with regards to the MCA. We found that the registered manager had made some applications to the supervisory body under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, but supporting documentation did not reflect how complex specific decisions for people who may lack capacity had been made. This meant that decisions may not always have been made in conjunction with people whilst considering their best interests.

Whilst we saw that people on the ground floor enjoyed mealtimes in a dignified manner this was not the case for the people on the first floor. The mealtime experience on the first floor did not promote a positive experience for people. Undignified practice such as putting plastic aprons on everyone was observed. Staff did not always ask for people’s opinions or offer choices at mealtime. People were not always treated with dignity and respect.

Staff attended regular training sessions in areas such as moving and handling, first aid and safeguarding adults to update their knowledge and skills. Staff have had regular meetings and supervisions to discuss areas of improvement in their work. Staff told us that the management team were making lots of positive improvements at the service.

We saw a varied approach to people undertaken by staff. Some staff were patient in their approach and respectful of people’s choices, privacy and dignity. Observations showed that other care staff were at times abrupt in their manner and task orientated when supporting someone. We noted that undignified language was used in some of the care documentation to describe people and their behaviours. We raised this with the registered manager during our visit for her awareness and review.

Care plans did not always record people’s needs accurately. Records were not personalised to reflect people’s individual preferences about how they would like their care and support to be provided. Supplementary charts were not always completed in detail to reflect what care and support people had received on a daily basis. Records did not always provide sufficient information to ensure that the care and treatment of each person using the service was fit for purpose.

The registered manager had introduced a new quality assurance system in September 2015 which was not effective. Issues we raised during our inspection relating to care planning, analysis of accidents and incidents and infection and prevention control had not been identified or addressed through the provider quality assurance processes.

People and relatives told us that they were aware of how to make a complaint with the registered provider. The registered manager provided information to show they had responded to two concerns raised through the annual satisfactions survey. We saw records of compliments that had been made about the service.

There were systems in place to manage medicines, including relevant assessments for people who required covert medication. Medicines were administered safely and administration records were up to date.

The provider has safe systems in place for recruitment of staff.

10th February 2015

During a routine inspection

The inspection took place on 10 February 2015 and was unannounced. This meant that the provider did not know that we were coming. We last inspected this location on 14 February 2014 and at that time it met the regulations.

Thornton Manor provides nursing and personal care for up to forty seven people with physical illness and /or dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 41 people living at the location. The accommodation is provided on two floors. The home is set in its own grounds in a rural location between Ellesmere Port and Chester.

There was a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We found a number of breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010.This was replaced on 1 April 2015 by the Health and Social Care Act 2008(Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report

People and their relatives were positive about the home and the care that was received. They told us that staff were” kind”, “patient” and they “liked them”.” We saw that staff did not rush people and took the time to talk and chat. We also saw that there was lots of activity to keep people occupied and stimulated. We found that not everyone was aware of the complaints policy and it was inaccurate and up to date. Relatives told us that staff and the registered manager were approachable and they could go to them if they were worried. We saw that a survey had been sent out recently to seek the opinion of those using and visiting the service

Staff knew the people they were supporting and provided a personalised service. Care plans were in place and detailed how people wished to be supported in terms of choice. However, these weren’t always legible, up to date or reviewed. This meant that people may not get the right care from someone who did provide care to them regularity. We saw that staff, who spoke with us, on the day, understood the care that people needed and encouraged them to do things for themselves. We found that records about people were not stored securely and therefore information about people was not kept confidential.

Where people were able, they were involved in making decisions about their care. Relatives also told us that they were involved and consulted. When a person lacked the capacity to make a specific decision, staff did not always take into consideration the Mental Capacity Act 2005(MCA). For example, staff asked relatives to make decisions without any evidence that they had legal authority to do so. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards was not always considered where applicable. (This is where an application can be made to lawfully deprive a person of their liberties where it is deemed to be in their best interests or for their own safety.) For example, the provider had not considered applications for a number of people, even though their liberty was being significantly restricted by them not being able to leave a secure environment of their own accord.

We saw that people lived in an environment that was clean but in need of some refurbishment and decoration. We identified concerns about the safety and suitability of equipment within the home that placed people at risk. We saw, for example, that equipment required in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest was not fit for purpose.

People received care from staff that had been through the appropriate recruitment processes to ensure that they were suitable to work in the care sector. Staff had also received training and ongoing support in order to support them to carry out their jobs effectively. We did, however, see that the policies and procedures, put in to support and guide staff were not kept up to date. The registered person should set out to Care Quality Commission, in a statement of purpose, its aims and objectives of the service and ensure that this is kept under review. We found that this had not been reviewed since 2009.

14 February 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We carried out this inspection because at our previous inspection in July 2013 we had found that the registered provider was not meeting all of the essential standards for quality and safety.

At this inspection we found that there were systems in place to gain and review consent from people who used the service and best interests meetings were held for those who did not have the mental capacity to give informed consent.

The people who used the service and relatives we spoke with said that generally they were happy with the care provided. One person who had been at Thornton Manor for three years said "It's nice here, they look after me". Another said "It's alright here. The staff are lovely, I get on well with them". Staff were aware of the needs of the people who used the service and we observed that staff were pleasant and respectful in all their interactions.

People were less complimentary about the food. Most people said the food was "alright" or "ok", but a couple of people we spoke with said they didn't enjoy the food and we noticed there was a lot of food left on plates at lunchtime. However, people were offered choices and supported to eat and drink if necessary. People were weighed regularly and no-one was losing any weight.

Some redecoration had recently taken place and new curtains and duvet covers had been purchased.

There were adequate systems in place to monitor the quality of the service and identify and manage risks.

24 July 2013

During a routine inspection

A number of people who used the service were unable to verbally communicate their views and although we spoke with several people we were unable to engage with them in a meaningful way. We used a number of different methods to help us understand their experiences. We spoke to relatives, looked at records, spoke to staff and made observations of the support provided.

We spoke to one person who used the service who said they were happy living at the service. We spoke to five relatives who were also happy with the care and support provided. Some comments made were: -

'The staff really care. They are very good with my mum.'

'It's a very good place. I would recommend it to others.'

We found that a number of improvements were needed to the service to ensure that people were provided with safe care and treatment that met their needs and protected their rights.

We found that improvements were needed to care planning and care delivery and to the practices in place to demonstrate people's needs were met when they were not able to give their consent to care and treatment.

We found that peope were not adequately protected against the risks of inadequate nutrition.

Improvements' were also needed to the system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of the people who used the service.

15 May 2012

During a routine inspection

An expert by experience accompanied us on this visit. They found the staff to be respectful and friendly towards the people who used the service. They considered that people's needs were being met to a good standard. They identified some areas where improvements could be made to the home environment and equipment being used.

We spoke to five people who used the service who were happy with the care and support provided by staff. Some comments made were:-

'This is the best care ever.'

' Everyone is friendly. We are happy here.'

We spoke to three relatives who were also happy with the care provided by staff. Some comments made were: -

'I have full confidence in all the staff. My relative is very well cared for. If they become ill, staff ring me.'

'I am extremely pleased with this home, the staff are polite and friendly, first class. I am always included in consultations between the doctor, and senior staff.'

The manager had sent surveys to the people who used the service and their relatives within the last six months to find out their views about how the service was operating. The thirteen responses had been mainly completed by relatives. The responses were positive. They indicated that people felt involved in the care provided, had their needs met and were satisfied with the service.

We asked the commissioners of the service and the local safeguarding co-ordinator for their views. Three concerns had been raised about the home to Cheshire West and Chester Social Services within the last twelve months. There was no information to suggest that two of these concerns had any basis and additional training for staff was the recommendation from the investigation into the third issue raised. Training records showed that the manager was addressing this matter.

We spoke to a health professional and a social care professional who were regular visitors to the service. They said that a good standard of care was provided. There was good communication with the staff and they always contacted them appropriately when a person needed their help. They said that the staff knew the needs of the people who used the service well and managed the needs of people with dementia well.

A report from a visit made by the Cheshire West and Chester Local Involvement Network (LINKs*) in May 2012 indicated that staff interacted well with the people who used the service. The report indicated that there was a good atmosphere within the home and some of the people they were able to speak with said they were happy living at the home.

The LINKs report indicated that residents' rooms appeared to be well furnished and decorated. The report indicated that some improvements to the home environment were needed.

* LINKs are networks of individuals and organisations that have an interest in improving health and social care services. They are independent of the council, NHS and other service providers. LINks aim to involve local people in the planning and delivery of services.