Drumconner Lancing

Updated 25 August 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection took place on 10 July 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of two inspectors and one 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.

Prior to the inspection we looked at information we held, as well as feedback we had received. We used information the registered manager sent us in the Provider Information Return. This is information we require registered persons to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also looked at notifications that the provider had submitted. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law. We used all this information to decide which areas to focus on during our inspection.

During our inspection we spoke with nine people, eight relatives, seven members of staff, two visiting healthcare professionals, the deputy manager, the registered manager and the provider. We reviewed a range of records about people’s care and how the service was managed. These included the individual care records and electronic medicine administration records (MAR) for ten people, staff records, quality assurance audits, incident reports and records relating to the management of the home. We observed people in the communal lounges, their experiences during lunchtime and the administration of medicines.

Updated 25 August 2018

The inspection took place on 10 July 2018 and was unannounced. Drumconner - Lancing 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.

Drumconner - Lancing is situated in Lancing, West Sussex and is one of two homes owned by the provider, Drumconner Limited. Drumconner – Lancing, accommodates 57 people over two floors. There was a range of rooms of different sizes to meet people’s preferences, with most rooms having ensuite shower facilities. There were two communal lounges, a large communal dining room and a coffee bar area. There were also attractive and accessible gardens for people to enjoy, as well as a hairdressing room. The home provides accommodation for older people, those living with dementia and people who require support with their nursing needs. At the time of the inspection there were 47 people living at the home. The home had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the last inspection the home was rated as Requires Improvement. The provider was found to be in breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Following that inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key questions of Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led to at least good. This was because there were risks to people’s safety as staff did not always implement external healthcare guidance. Medicines administration was not always safe. Staff had not always adhered to the legislative requirements when gaining people’s consent or placing restrictions on their lives. Not all people had access to stimulation or interaction with staff. There had been ongoing changes in the leadership and management of the home. At this inspection it was evident that the provider had followed their actions plan and improvements had been made. The provider was no longer in breach of the Regulations.

People told us that staff made them feel safe. Risks were assessed and managed well. One person told us, “I feel safe as there are lots of carers who look after my health, my personal care, my food and my medicines. They help me to enjoy my day with interesting activities”. I couldn’t do it all on my own anymore. I don’t have to worry”.

People felt that there was sufficient staff, that they were well-trained and knowledgeable to meet their needs and assure their safety. People and staff were aware of the importance of raising concerns about people’s wellbeing and safety. People were protected from abuse and made aware of their right to complain.

People were protected from the spread of infection. Registered nurses and external healthcare professionals ensured that people’s heath was maintained. Medicines were provided when people required them. People told us that they were confident that staff would summon assistance if their health condition deteriorated. There was a coordinated approach to people’s healthcare. People received good need of life care.

People had a positive dining experience. They told us that they were happy with the food and had access to drinks and snacks throughout the day and night. One person told us, “I enjoy the food and we have a good choice. If you don’t like the menu they will offer an alternative”.

People were asked their consent before being supported and were involved in their care. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff demonstrated respect. People’s privacy and dignity were maintained and they were supported by staff in a sensitive and dignified way. People told us that they felt well-cared for. They spoke fondly of the staff and person-centred practice was evident. One person told us, “They are wonderful, they are kind and considerate in their approach”. A relative told us, “They use their heads, their hearts and their hands like natural carers, you cannot fault them”.

The environment provided spaces for people to enjoy time on their own or with others. There was a fun, lively and welcoming atmosphere. People had access to a varied range of stimulation. Activities, external events and entertainment was available for people to enjoy. One person told us, “I am looking forward to strawberries and cream in the garden later in July. I love the garden”. A relative told us, “I don’t think they get bored like they do in some care homes. I often see a carer sitting with a resident who is alone to have a chat”.

People and relatives were complimentary about the leadership and management of the home. They told us that the home was well-organised and that the registered manager listened and acted upon their ideas and suggestions. Systems were monitored to ensure they were effective. Staff were appropriately supported and involved in decisions that affected their work. Partnership working with external organisations and healthcare professionals ensured that good practice was shared. A relative told us, “Everyone seems happy here. It is a happy home”.