Archived: The Radcliffe

The Radcliffe is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 27 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 34 people.

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

Care records included a range of risk assessments although where people needed a hoist to transfer, more detail was required. The premises and equipment were safe although a safety belt on a stair lift had not been replaced, as recommended following a safety check. Some improvements were needed to ensure the storage of medicines were safe. The recruitment of staff was safe and there were enough numbers of staff on duty to meet people’s needs.

People were assessed to ensure the home could meet their needs before moving into the home. People had access to other health care professionals if needed. Staff received induction, training and ongoing management supervision. Feedback about the meals people received were mixed. 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 were caring and kind. People were treated with dignity and respect. People’s right to privacy was respected and their personal information was stored confidentially. People were supported to express their views and were involved in their care plans.

Peoples care records were detailed, person centred, neatly organised and updated at regular intervals. Care records included the support people needed to communicate. There were a variety of activities provided for people to keep them engaged. Complaints were logged and addressed.

Staff, people and visitors felt the home was well led. Regular audits were undertaken although the audits had not identified the shortfalls we raised during the inspection. The registered manager understood their regulatory responsibilities. Regular meetings were held with people who lived at the home. The registered manager regularly met and communicated with all staff who worked at the home.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 16 March 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

The Radcliffe is registered to provide personal care and accommodation for up to 34 older people; some of whom are living with dementia. The home is made up of two buildings, connected by a covered walkway. One building has 17 en-suite bedrooms and the other building has 17 bedrooms, of which five are en-suite. The home has three communal lounges, two communal dining areas, five communal bathrooms and an enclosed garden and outdoor seating area. There were 33 people living at the home at the time of the inspection.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

People told us they felt safe living at The Radcliffe. The registered manager and staff were aware of relevant procedures to help keep people safe and staff could describe signs that may indicate someone was at risk of abuse or harm. Staff had received safeguarding training.

Risks to people had been assessed and measures put into place to reduce risk. However, more detailed information and guidance for staff to ensure safe moving and handling of people would further ensure people’s safety.

Some improvements were required in relation to fire safety. The registered manager and registered provider were aware of this and had begun to take action.

Medicines were stored and administered appropriately.

Staff told us they felt supported and had received appropriate induction, training and ongoing support and supervision.

People were supported to have 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.

People received appropriate support to meet their nutritional and hydration needs. A variety of drinks and snacks were offered to people throughout the day.

We observed staff to be kind and supportive and people told us staff were caring. We observed people’s privacy and dignity was respected.

Care records were person centred and reviewed regularly. Care and support was provided in line people’s care plans. Appropriate information was shared between staff to enable continuity of care.

The registered manager was visible throughout the service during our inspection and they knew people’s needs well. Regular quality assurance audits were undertaken and the registered manager ensured that, where actions were identified, these were logged and monitored. There was a service action plan which identified who was responsible for specific actions.

'They (the staff) do everything for you, what more could you want.'

'The staff are all very nice.'

'People come in to entertain us. I like the singers that come.'

'The meals are good and we get a choice of food.'

'I enjoy working here, the staff turnover is low and generally we work well as a team.'

We found that people's care plans were easy to follow and gave staff the direction to offer appropriate care and support.

The home was clean and tidy and infection prevention guidance was being followed.

The medication system was being managed safely and people received their medication at the right times.

People knew how to raise any concerns and there was a complaints procedure in place.