Oak Court

Updated 6 March 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.

We received information of concern about infection control and prevention measures at this service, including large outbreaks at services on the same site. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

The inspection site visit took place on 20 January 2021 and the inspection concluded with feedback being delivered on 1 February 2021. The inspection was announced from the car park to ensure we could be informed of any risks at the time of our inspection.

Updated 6 March 2021

Oak Court is a residential care home service which offers nursing care to a maximum of 19 adults who have a physical disability or neurological condition and require either long term or respite care or rehabilitation. At the time of our inspection 19 people were using the service. Oak Court is a very spacious, purpose built, bungalow, with large outdoor areas and gardens. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

At the time of our inspection there were two registered managers 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.

The service was safe and people were protected from harm. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding adults from abuse and knew what to do if they had any concerns and how to report them. Risks to people using the service were assessed and their safety was monitored and managed, with minimal restrictions on their freedom. Risk assessments were thorough and personalised.

The service ensured there were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to meet people’s needs and support them to stay safe. Records confirmed that robust recruitment procedures were followed. Medicines were stored, managed and administered safely. Staff were trained, and their competency checked, in respect of administering and managing medicines.

People using the service were supported to have sufficient amounts to eat and drink and maintain a balanced diet. People enjoyed their meals and were involved in discussions and decisions regarding the menus and options available.

Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff understood the importance of helping people to make their own choices regarding their care and support. People using the service were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible

The service ensured people were treated with kindness, respect and compassion. People also received emotional support when needed. People told us they were involved in planning the care and support they received and were able to make choices and decisions and maintain their independence as much as possible. Information was provided to people in formats they could understand.

Care plans were personalised and described the holistic care and support each person required, together with details of their strengths and aspirations. Information also explained how people could be supported to maintain and enhance their independence and what could help ensure they consistently had a good quality of life. People’s comments and concerns were listened to and taken seriously. The service also used any comments or complaints to help drive improvement within the service.

People who used the service and staff spoke highly of the management team and told us they felt supported. CQC’s registration requirements were met and complied with and effective quality assurance procedures were in place.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.