Bronswick House

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.