Bronswick House

Updated 3 February 2024

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 Care Act 2014.

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 was carried out by 2 inspectors.

Service and service type

Bronswick House 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.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. 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.

At the time of the inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be available to support the inspection.

The inspection activity started on 03 January 2024 and ended on 14 January 2024. The site visits were on 03 January 2024 and 10 January 2024.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and commissioners who work with the service. We also looked at information we had received and held on our system about the home, this included notifications sent to us by the provider and information passed to us by members of the public. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 6 people who lived at the home, 4 members of staff, the registered manager and provider. In addition, we spoke with 2 relatives/friends and 2 health and social care professionals. We observed staff interaction with people, also, we reviewed a range of records. These included care records of 2 people, medication records, and staff files in relation to recruitment. We also reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service. We walked around the premises and looked at infection control measures.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the registered manager to validate evidence found. We looked at their quality assurance systems the provider had in place and staff training records.

Updated 3 February 2024

About the service

Bronswick House is a 14 bedded residential service. The service is situated in the north area of Blackpool and supports people with mental health issues. At the time of the inspection 14 people lived at the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found.

We found some issues with infection control that could put people at risk. However, most of the concerns had been addressed at the time of the site visit. Observations and feedback received highlighted the need for some renovations and upgrades of the building. Staffing levels were not sufficient to ensure the building was properly maintained. People told us there were enough staff to support their daily care needs. However, a shortfall in domestic staff had contributed to the building not consistently being cleaned and maintained. This had been identified by the provider and action taken to address the issues. One person said, “We have been short of a cleaner and staff had been doing more.”

Quality monitoring was not consistent. Management team checks, audits and quality assurance systems failed to identify shortfalls in maintaining the cleanliness, building repairs and infection control concerns at the home. The provider had addressed the issues and work was ongoing to improve the service.

Good recruitment procedures were in place and the provider followed guidance required to safely recruit staff. Safeguarding training was provided annually and updated. Staff were aware of the processes to follow to enable people to be safe. Risks were assessed and monitored to ensure individuals safety and promoted their independence. People received their medicines safely.

People's needs were assessed and reviewed regularly. Healthy lifestyles were promoted, and systems were in place to make sure people's health needs were met. People were involved in menu planning and encouraged to support staff with their dietary needs and choices. One person said, “Plenty of good food here and what I like.” Staff had the skills and knowledge to deliver care effectively and access to training programmes was good. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff supported people to maintain their dignity and independence. People told us staff were polite and always asked before providing help and support. Care plans were individualised and showed the care, encouragement and support people required and chose. One person said, “The staff are so kind and patient I love it here.”

Staff knew how to communicate effectively with people. Promoting people’s independence and encouraging people to follow their chosen activities and interests was encouraged by staff. Activities were meaningful and supported social inclusion. Relatives and friends were encouraged to visit. People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and were confident these would be dealt with appropriately.

Staff worked in partnership with other agencies to deliver effective care. Lessons were learned when concerns were raised, and these outcomes were communicated to staff.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 23 January 2023 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted due to concerns received regarding, infection control, the maintenance of the building and management of quality assurance systems. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks. As a result, we undertook a comprehensive inspection to review all the key questions.

You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

The provider has taken action to mitigate risks, and this had been effective.

Enforcement and Recommendations

We have identified breaches in relation to quality assurance systems at the service.

We have made a recommendation to the provider regarding improvements to infection control.

Follow Up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.