Alexandra House

Updated 3 March 2021

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 looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 22 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 3 March 2021

About the service

Alexandra House is a purpose built, single story residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 33 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 35 people.

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

People were cared for safely and protected from the risk of potential harm as staff knew what to do and how to report any concerns. People’s risks to their health had been continually assessed and recorded to show how their care can be delivered without further risk. There were enough staff to supported people with medication, personal care and activities of daily living. The home was clean and people were protected from the risk of infection.

People’s needs had been assessed and staff had been trained and supported in their role to provide support based on best practice. People enjoyed their meals, so they maintained a healthy and nutritious diet. There was input and advice from other professionals for people to remain well. The home was on one level with space for people to spend time in areas of their choice, such as quieter areas. Doors and corridors were wide enough for wheelchairs access. 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.

People were comfortable in their home and built trusting relationships with staff. Staff looked after people with kindness and had the knowledge to deliver a personalised service. Staff encouraged people to remain independent and were considerate not to take over or rush people. People were able to spend time quietly or with the company of staff who consider their privacy and dignity.

Care plans recorded people’s routines and care needs which staff followed. The care plans were reviewed monthly and included the person and, where appropriate, the relatives’ input. People had access to a variety of activities, with staff holding inclusive sessions. External entertainers were well received by people and the registered manager was looking to expand on external outings. Complaints were recorded and responded to.

There were system in place for people to give feedback and offer suggestions in relation to their care and service provided at the home. The registered manager had a range of quality checks to make sure people received a good service., a change in the management structure since our last inspection had led to improvements in governance and staffing at Alexandra House. The provider worked closely with the registered manager and a clear ongoing review and improvement plan was in place.

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 requires improvement (published 1 December 2018) and there were multiple 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 been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.