Brook View

Updated 20 February 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 9 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 20 February 2021

About the service: Brook View is a care home with nursing that was providing personal and nursing care to 52 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection.

People’s experience of using this service:

The service met the characteristics of good in all areas, and there were some aspects of practice that approached outstanding.

People told us they felt safe at Brook View. Staff felt comfortable to raise any concerns about their own or other people’s safety. There were checks to ensure new staff were of good character and suitable for their role.

People praised the caring manner of staff. Interactions between people and staff were kind, respectful and unhurried. People’s privacy, dignity and independence were upheld.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff involved people, and where appropriate their relatives, in decisions about their care.

Care was delivered in line with current standards and good practice. People were happy with their or their loved one’s care. Medicines were managed safely. Staff liaised as necessary with people’s healthcare professionals. When people were unwell, staff made timely referrals to their GP. People were supported to have a comfortable and dignified death when the time came.

Care plans varied in their completeness, consistency and level of detail. The management team had already identified care planning needed to improve and had made plans accordingly.

There was an emphasis on the importance of eating and drinking well. People enjoyed a choice of freshly-prepared meals and snacks, and people’s dietary preferences and needs were catered for.

There was a range of activities based on people’s ideas and interests, including regular trips out. Activities staff worked on a one-to-one basis with people who were unable to leave their rooms. There were strong links with the local community and people who were able often went out on trips.

There were enough appropriately qualified staff on duty to provide the care and support people needed. Any gaps in the rota were covered by agency staff. Staff had the skills and competence they needed to care for people safely and effectively. They were supported through training and regular supervision. The provider’s Admiral nurse, a specialist dementia care nurse, gave practical and clinical support to staff as well as people’s families.

The premises were clean and well maintained. The building and garden were adapted for people with impaired mobility. There was a range of communal areas for people to spend time together and alone. Equipment was regularly serviced. Effective infection prevention and control procedures were in operation.

People and relatives told us they would feel able to raise concerns or complaints with the manager if they felt the need to do so. Staff understood their responsibility to report concerns and near misses. Action was taken to ensure people were safe and improvements made where necessary.

The provider had good oversight of the service through its established management and accountability arrangements. Although there had been changes in manager, people and staff were confident in the leadership of the service. People and staff described managers as approachable and supportive, but that they would address poor practice. Staff came across as motivated and worked as a team. People commented, “The staff seem very happy and cheerful; they do seem to like their jobs here”, and, “The staff get on well together. There is a very good atmosphere”.

Rating at last inspection: At the last inspection the service was rated good (report published 5 August 2016).

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.