Archived: Fairlawn Residential Home

Updated 1 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 1 December 2020

We inspected the service on 4 and 5 December 2018. The inspection was unannounced.

Fairlawn Residential Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Fairlawn is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for a maximum of 26 frail and elderly people, some of which were living with dementia. The service is a large extended property and people’s accommodation is provided over two floors with a stair lift available to support people to the upper floor.

There was a registered manager at the 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 2 and 3 October 2017, we told the provider to take action to make improvements. This was because people, their relatives and staff told us there were not enough staff to meet the needs of those using the service. Additionally, we found shortfalls in the registered manager had not ensured that effective systems were in operation to monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service.

At this inspection we found there were enough staff deployed to meet the needs of people. Staffing levels had increased which had a positive impact on people using the service. The registered manager had improved quality monitoring procedures and audits, and had a better oversight of the quality of care being provided.

People were protected from the risk of abuse. Staff were trained in how to identify abuse and knew how to report it. Risks to people and the environment were assessed, recorded and staff took steps to minimise them. New staff were recruited safely in line with best practice and nationally recognised guidance. People received their medicines safely. Staff received training and had their competency checked regularly. People were protected by the prevention and control of infection. The registered manager took steps to learn from accidents, incidents and when things went wrong. They used information to help prevent future accidents.

People had their care and support delivered in line with current legislation and best practice guidance. Newly recruited staff received an induction which included training courses and shadowing more experienced staff. Other staff received refresher training that was built around those using the service. People’s nutrition and hydration needs were being met. People were involved in developing menus. Staff sought and followed guidance from health professionals if people had health conditions. People had access to health care and treatment. People’s needs were met by the design and adaptation of the premises. People were able to decorate and furnish their rooms as they wished. Staff were knowledgeable about the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, and worked in line with its principles.

Support was provided to people in a personalised way. Each person had their own care plan which had been reviewed taking into account their preferences and views. People were supported to take part in activities of their choosing. People said they knew how to make a complaint, and would do so if the need arose. Complaints were managed in accordance with the registered provider’s policy. People were supported at the end of their lives to have a dignified death. Their preferences were gathered and staff worked closely with health professionals.

The registered manager had the skills and experience to lead the service. The culture at the service was honest and transparent. Staff said they felt proud to work at the organisation. They had oversight of the daily culture in the service, which included the attitudes and behaviour of staff. People, their families and staff were encouraged to be engaged and involved in the service. There were links with the local community.