The Granleys

Updated 25 May 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 COVID-19 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 21 April 2021 and was announced.

Updated 25 May 2021

This was an unannounced inspection which took place over two days on the 16 and 22 August 2017. The Granleys provides accommodation and personal care for up to 17 people with a learning disability and a sensory or physical disability. At the time of the inspection there were 16 people living there.

The Granleys has a registered manager who was absent during our inspection. A representative of the provider was present. 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 comprehensive inspection, the service was rated as requires improvement. At this inspection we found the service was good and the service had made improvements to infection control systems and recruitment processes. They had also made improvements to the care planning processes and people were being treated with dignity and respect.

Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality of care people received and to identify any shortfalls in the service. However, some improvement was needed to ensure all aspects of the service would be audited so that action would be taken to address these issues promptly. The representative of the provider took action during the inspection to ensure the appropriate pre-employment checks would be completed as part of their recruitment processes. They also made sure checks for fire systems and water temperatures were being carried out at the appropriate intervals. Quality assurance systems included feedback from people living in the home, their relatives and staff. Improvements made over the past 12 months to the environment, infection control systems, care records and staff support had been maintained.

People were supported by sufficient staff to meet their needs. Staff had access to training to acquire the skills and knowledge to support people. They had individual and group support to reflect on their roles and professional development. Staff had a good understanding of people’s needs and treated them respectfully and with kindness.

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 support this practice. People’s care was individualised reflecting their individual needs, preferences and lifestyle choices. Their care was discussed with them and their care records were kept up to date with their changing needs. People were supported to stay healthy and well through access to health care professionals and a healthy diet.

People’s rights were protected and they were kept safe from the risk of injury or harm. Any accidents or incidents were analysed and the appropriate action was taken to prevent them happening again. People who became anxious or upset were supported to manage their emotions. People’s medicines were administered at times to suit them. Medicines systems were monitored closely to ensure they were managed safely. People had access to a range of activities which were meaningful and reflected their choice and interests. They were actively involved with their local community using places of worship, the library, sports facilities and shops.

The registered manager and the representative of the provider were open and accessible. People and staff were confident talking with them about any issues or concerns. People knew how to raise concerns and complaints information was accessible to them. The management team were aware of the challenges of recruiting and keeping staff. The staff team spoke positively about their support and the care they provided.