Background to this inspection
Updated
15 July 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
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
The Heathers 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 was in the process of recruiting a manager who would register 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.
In the interim the service was managed collectively between the provider, general manager and a clinical lead.
Notice of inspection
We gave short notice of the inspection. This was to ensure the visit could be facilitated safely during Covid- 19 restrictions with a manager/provider oversight.
What we did before the inspection
Before the inspection we reviewed the information, we had received about the service since the last inspection. We reviewed CQC notifications. Notifications describe events that happen in the service that the provider is legally required to tell us about.
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.
We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
During our brief tour of the premises we observed interaction between care staff and people living in the home. We introduced ourselves and spoke with them briefly about their day and how they were feeling. We also spoke with three staff as we walked around the premises.
The provider, general manager and clinical lead facilitated our visit. They answered our questions and provided records we wished to look at.
After the inspection
At the feedback session, we welcomed people, relatives and staff to contact us should they wish to contribute to the inspection. We did not receive any responses.
Updated
15 July 2021
This inspection took place on 18 and 19 October and was unannounced. There were no concerns at the last inspection of August 2016. The Heathers provides accommodation, nursing and personal care for up to 30 people. At the time of our visit there were 25 people living at the service.
At our last inspection, we rated the service Good. At this inspection, we found evidence continued to support this rating and in addition, we found the service had improved to outstanding in caring and responsive.
Why the service is rated outstanding:
People continued to receive a service that was safe. The registered manager and staff understood their role and responsibilities to keep people safe from harm. People were supported to take risks, promote their independence and follow their interests. Risks were assessed and plans put in place to keep people safe. There was enough staff to safely provide care and support to people. Checks were carried out on staff before they started work to assess their suitability to support vulnerable people. Medicines were well managed and people received their medicines as prescribed. People were protected by the homes infection control policy and procedures
The service remained effective in meeting people’s needs. Staff received regular supervision and the training needed to meet people’s needs. Arrangements were made for people to see a GP and other healthcare professionals when they needed to do so. The registered manager and staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and, worked to ensure people's rights were respected. People were supported to enjoy a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet whilst promoting and respecting choice.
The service was exceptionally caring and put people at the heart of everything they did. We were introduced to people throughout our visit and they welcomed us. They were relaxed, comfortable and confident in their home. The feedback we received from them was extremely positive throughout. Those people who used the service expressed great satisfaction and spoke highly of all staff. Staff had a good awareness of individuals' needs and treated people in a warm and respectful manner. They were knowledgeable about people's lives before they started using the service. Every effort was made to enhance this knowledge so that their life experiences remained meaningful.
The service was exceptionally responsive to people’s health and social needs. People received person centred care and support. Regular monitoring and reviews meant that referrals had been made to appropriate health and social care professionals. Where necessary care and support had been changed to accurately reflect people's needs and improve their health and wellbeing. People were offered a range of activities both at the service and in the local community. People were encouraged to make their views known and the service responded by making changes.
People benefitted from a service that was very well led. The director, registered manager, deputy and staff team maintained a clear focus on continually seeking to improve the service people received. Everyone demonstrated strong values and, a desire to learn about and implement best practice throughout the service. Good quality assurance systems were in place and based upon regular, scheduled audits, which identified any action required to make improvements. This meant the quality of service people received was monitored on a regular basis and, where shortfalls were identified they were acted upon.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.