Cote House

Updated 18 November 2020

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about how the service was managing infection prevention and control. All inspections in care homes check on the infection control and prevention measures in place. This is so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by one inspector and one public health specialist.

Service and service type

Cote House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they 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

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection and information received from the local authority. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with the registered manager about how they are managing at this time. We also observed how the staff were working during the COVID-19 outbreak and looked at records relating to infection prevention and control.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data, quality assurance records and policy and procedures. We spoke with two people and four members of staff on the telephone about their experiences.

Updated 18 November 2020

About the service:

Cote House is a care home providing personal and nursing care for up to 11 people. At the time of our inspection 10 people were living at the service permanently and one person was using the service for respite care. One room at Cote House is used for people to stay on respite care to enable their carer to have a break from their caring role.

People’s experience of using this service:

People received their medicines as prescribed. Improvement was required to make sure the service knew how many medicines were in stock. Also, staff administering medicines needed their competence assessed to make sure their practice was safe.

Checks were being completed to make sure the environment and equipment were safe however, there was conflicting information in the results. This meant action had not always been taken. The registered manager addressed this during our inspection.

People were supported to make their own decisions and were involved in planning their care. People had their own care plan which was reviewed when needed. People could have visitors without restrictions.

People were supported by staff who were trained and supported in their roles. Staff understood safeguarding responsibilities and told us they would report any concerns to their manager.

People told us they enjoyed living at Cote House and felt able to complain if they needed to. There was an open and inclusive culture at the service, the registered manager was approachable and a visible presence.

People told us and we observed that staff were kind and caring. Staff used different ways to communicate with people, there were sufficient staff to enable them to sit and talk to people. People were able to follow their own interests and join in with group activities if they wished.

People’s views had been sought and action taken to change the service or make improvements following their feedback. People had the opportunity to attend ‘house meetings’ to meet with other people and discuss views.

The service met the characteristics of Good overall; more information is available in the full report below.

Rating at last inspection:

At our last inspection in January 2018 we rated the service as Requires Improvement. We identified three breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because people did not receive care and treatment that was appropriate and that met their individual needs and preferences. There was a lack of managerial oversight which meant quality and safety was not monitored or improved where needed. In addition, staff did not receive training to ensure they had the skills to complete their role.

Why we inspected: This was a planned comprehensive inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

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 concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.