Background to this inspection
Updated
3 August 2021
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
This inspection was carried out by two inspectors.
Service and service type
Wellesley Road Care Home 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.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with five people who lived at the home and 11 staff members including the registered manager, the deputy manager, the operations manager, a nurse and seven care staff.
We reviewed a range of records. We looked at eight care records, multiple medicines records and six staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We had contact with two relatives of people living at the home, two external professionals and two care staff.
Updated
3 August 2021
About the service
Wellesley Road Care Home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 57 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 60 people in one purpose-built property which is divided into six units, each with separate communal facilities.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People and family members told us they felt the home was safe. The home had procedures in place to ensure people were safe from abuse or harm. Staff members understood their roles and responsibilities in ensuring people were safe.
People’s medicines were stored and administered safely. Staff administering medicines had received appropriate training and assessments of their competency.
The home had carried out regular risk assessments of people, premises and care practice. These had been regularly reviewed and updated when there was any change. The home followed current best practice guidance in ensuring people were safe from the risk of infection.
Staff were recruited in a safe way. Appropriate checks, including checks of references and criminal records had been carried out prior to appointment.
The home’s policies and procedures were regularly updated and reflected best practice and current guidance for care homes. Regular quality assurance monitoring had been carried out and actions had been taken to address any concerns. Although there were some gaps in weekly medicines monitoring records, daily monitoring of medicines ensured errors were immediately identified and acted upon,
People and their family members had been asked for their opinions about the care provided at the home. Regular staff meetings had taken place. Staff spoke positively about their roles in supporting people. Staff were generally supportive of the management, but some felt that team work and information could be improved.
The provider acted immediately to address issues raised at inspection.
The registered manager had worked in partnership with other professionals to ensure people received the care and support they required.
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 (Report published 27 January 2018).
Why we inspected
This was a focused inspection carried out due to the length of time since the previous comprehensive inspection of the service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
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.