Longwood Place

Updated 29 January 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.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention (IPC) measures the provider

has in place. As part of CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a review of IPC

measures in care homes.

The service had been identified for use by the Local Authority as a designated care setting in response to the Winter Plan for people discharged from hospital with a positive Covid-19 status. This targeted inspection was to ensure that the service was compliant with infection control and prevention measures.

This inspection took place on 6 January 2021 and was announced.

Updated 29 January 2021

Longwood Place provides short break respite care and accommodation for up to eight people who have needs associated with dementia, physical, sensory or learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection two people were receiving respite care.

Longwood Place is a ‘care home’. People in care homes received 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.

At our last inspection on the 13 and 21 January 2016, we rated the service Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the overall rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The provider’s recruitment procedures ensured only suitable staff were employed. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Risks to people’s health and wellbeing were appropriately assessed, managed and reviewed. People’s medicines were managed and stored safely. Staff were aware of their responsibilities to keep people safe and to protect them from harm and abuse. Measures were in place to protect people from the risk of the spread of infection.

Staff had received training, supervision and an appraisal of their performance to enable them to acquire the skills and knowledge to provide effective care. Staff had an understanding of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People were supported to eat and drink enough and maintain a balanced diet and to access health care services if required.

Staff were kind and sensitive to people’s needs. Staff were observed providing good personalised care and it was evident they clearly understood people’s individual needs. Staff ensured people’s privacy and dignity was respected and maintained at all times. Where required people and families were supported to access advocacy services.

People’s care plans were person centred and relatives were involved in the planning and review of their family member’s care and support needs prior to their stay at the service. People were supported by staff to pursue their interests and access the community. There was a complaints system in place and relatives told us they were confident any concerns would be listened to and acted upon.

Staff and relatives spoke positively about the registered and deputy managers who were committed to providing a good person centred service. There were systems in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality of the service provided. Relatives and staff had the opportunity to say how they felt about the service and the service it provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.