Updated 16 November 2023
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted 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
The inspection team consisted of one inspector and an expert by experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
Shrublands 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. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. 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. This information helps support our inspections. We looked at notifications received from the provider. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law. This ensured we were addressing any areas of concern. We looked at the service’s last inspection report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with 5 people who used the service. Some people living in the home could not verbally give us feedback. As such we looked around the home and observed the way staff interacted with people. We looked at 4 people's care records and 4 medicine administration records (MAR). We spoke with 3 members of staff but were unable to speak with the registered manager who was on leave. The provider was unwell and not available. We reviewed a range of records relating to people's care and the way the service was managed. These included quality assurance audits, incidents and accidents reports, and records relating to the management of the service. We were also able to access relative’s views from comments sent to CQC about the service.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the registered manger on their return from leave to validate evidence found.