We carried out a review of the data available to us about Gwen Walford House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Gwen Walford House, you can give feedback on this service.
Gwen Walford is a nursing home providing personal and nursing care to 26 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 30 people. Gwen Walford House offers full-time convalescent, residential and palliative care to residents with a dementia related illness or to those who require general nursing care.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were supported by staff who understood how to keep them safe and protect them from avoidable harm. People had their risks assessed and staff had up to date guidance to keep people safe. Staffing levels were under review to ensure sufficient staff were deployed effectively to meet people's needs. People received their medicines regularly and systems were in place for the safe management, supply and disposal of medicines. Staff understood how to manage infection control risks and followed best practice. Incidents and accidents were investigated, and actions were taken to reduce the risk of recurrence.
People's needs were assessed, and care was planned and delivered to meet legislation and good practice guidance. Staff were trained and knowledgeable about people's needs and wishes. People enjoyed their meal time experiences and were encouraged to eat well. 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.
People were supported by caring staff who knew people well. People and their relatives were included and involved in how their support was planned. Their feedback was encouraged and listened to. People's privacy was respected, and their dignity maintained.
People were assisted by staff who supported them as an individual and understood their needs and wishes. Staff spent time with people, and there was a program of interesting events for people to join if they wished. Complaints were investigated, and outcomes agreed, and improvements made when needed. When people needed support at the end of their lives staff were skilled in caring for them and had links with community support.
The registered manager and their management team were open, approachable and focussed on providing person centred care. Systems were in place to monitor the quality of care provided. Improvements were planned and driven through to provide continuous improvement. Staff said they were well supported and encouraged to share ideas for improvements. The registered manager and staff had established community links to improve people’s well-being.
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 2 September 2017)
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Gwen Walford House provides accommodation, nursing and personal care to a maximum of 30 people. At the time of our inspection there were 23 people living at the home.
There was no registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. A new manager had been appointed by the provider, who confirmed to us they had applied to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 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 had not been previously inspected under this provider.
People were supported by staff who knew how to keep them safe. Staff knew what abuse was and how to respond if they suspected abuse.
People's risks were assessed and action taken to minimise such risks. Staff were aware of the action they needed to take in the event of an accident or incident occurring. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and keep people safe.
People received their medicines in a safe and timely manner.
Staff had training and support to meet people’s needs effectively. Staff understood the principles of the mental capacity act and the importance of ensuring people were able to make choices and consent to their care.
People had the support they needed with eating and drinking and had access to health professionals when required.
People were supported by staff that were kind, caring and compassionate. Staff respected people's privacy and dignity.
Services were tailored to people’s individual needs and wishes.
There was a system in place to capture and respond to complaints and feedback.
There was an open and inclusive culture where people were actively involved in running their home.
People were positive about the care they received and felt listened to.
Staff consistently told us they felt valued and supported by the new management team at the home.