Drummonds

Updated 13 March 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to follow up on specific concerns we had received about the service. As part of this inspection we looked at the Infection Prevention and Control measures in place. This was conducted so we could 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

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Drummonds 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 other professionals who work with the service. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with the registered manager and two care staff. We also spoke with the local authority, quality improvement and safeguarding team and other visiting healthcare professionals.

We reviewed a range of records relating to the management of the service, including quality audits, health and safety records and policies and procedures.

Updated 13 March 2021

This inspection took place on the 26 and 27 February 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of one inspector. The service was previously under a different provider until Black Swan Care Group purchased it in October 2016.

Drummonds is a Care Home for adults with physical and learning disabilities and is situated in Feering, a village on the outskirts of the Essex county town of Colchester. The service has accommodation for up to 41 adults. At the time of our inspection there were 36 people living in the service. Most people have single rooms whilst others have been given a choice to share a large bedroom. The service has the following facilities communal bath/shower rooms, kitchen, four dining rooms and lounge, cinema room, video calling room, sensory room, enclosed garden and secured swimming pool with the latter located at the back of the care home and has suitable access and aiding equipment. There is also parking available at the service.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

At the time of our inspection, the service did not have a registered manager, as the manager had been newly appointed and was due to have their registration interview with the Commission shortly after our inspection. We have since received confirmation that the manager has been successful in their registration. '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 a 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 due to the support being provided by the service. Their human rights were properly recognised, respected and promoted. The service worked hard to ensure that personalised and suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that people received appropriate care and support to meet their needs. Accident records were appropriately maintained and these were kept in line with data protection guidelines. The service continually looked at other ways in which it could improve people’s lives by empowering them to do as much as they could but maintaining their safety at all times.

In-depth induction programmes were provided for all new employees and a wide range of training modules were available for the staff team, many of which were essential components of individual learning and development plans. Training was also provided specifically around the needs of people who lived in Drummonds. Staff members we spoke with were knowledgeable about the needs of those in their care.

Records showed the staff team completed an exceptionally wide range of mandatory training modules and this was confirmed by staff members we spoke with. Regular supervision sessions and annual appraisals enabled members of the workforce to discuss their personal development and training needs with their line manager.

The dedication of the service, ensuring medication support for people was central to people’s wellbeing, meant that it had significantly changed some people’s lives in positive ways. Recruitment of staff was detailed and very robust including detailed work on immigration checks and safety checks of prospective staff members to ensure they were suitable to support people.

The service ensured that all staff knew the needs of the people they supported and treated them with dignity and respect. People’s healthcare needs were well managed and they had access to a wide range of healthcare professionals.

There was always sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs. Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that staff had been recruited safely; they received opportunities for training and supervision. People were safeguarded from harm; Staff had received training in Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and had knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The manager was aware of how and when to make a referral. People had sufficient amounts to eat and drink to ensure that their dietary and nutrition needs were being met.

People were encouraged and empowered to share their views and opinions. Staff achieved this through using communication methods such as symbols, pictures and objects of reference. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were embedded in to practice so that the young people were able to take part in decision making as far as they were able to.

Equality, diversity and human rights were consistently considered and strategies implemented to promote anti-discriminatory practices. We observed the daily routines and practices within the home and found people were treated equally and their human rights were constantly being respected.

People were provided with the opportunity to participate and engage in activities of their choice, which met their needs. Relatives and people who used the service knew how to make a complaint and we felt reassured that all complaints would be dealt with and resolved efficiently and in a timely manner due to the service having a robust complaints system in place.

People received effective care that met their health needs. Staff understood and knew how to manage the young people's complex health conditions. Staff worked well with healthcare professionals to deliver their advice and programmes of support. Staff felt valued and were provided with the support and guidance to provide a high standard of care and support. There were systems in place to seek the views of people who used the service and their relatives and used their feedback to make improvements. Care plans were individualised to meet people’s needs. There were varied activities to support individual’s social care needs.

The management team told us they were continuously looking at ways to improve systems and processes as to stay in line with needs of people using the service and requirements of the regulations.

We found that Drummonds was constantly striving to improve and looking for innovative and creative ways to move the service forward. We found many distinctive characteristics of 'outstanding' evident. This was echoed by the consistent positive comments from those who lived in the service, the staff team and relatives.