We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Willows 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 The Willows, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
National guidance was followed on the use of personal PPE and regular Covid 19 testing was taking place. There were supplies of PPE readily available to staff and visitors.
Staff had received training in handwashing, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). There were procedures and risk assessments to manage and minimise the risks Covid 19 presented to people who used the service, staff and visitors.
The systems in place allowed people to be admitted to the home safely. National restrictions on visiting were in place at the time of the inspection and alternative measures such as video calls were being used.
The home had also built a pod to support people with safe visits. The home was clean and uncluttered. Communal areas had been reorganised to promote social distancing.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Staff managed infection control well. The service carried out regular cleaning of resident bedrooms and communal areas to prevent the spread of infection.
Health professionals visiting the home had their temperatures taken and were encouraged to wear new PPE upon arrival. There was scheduled cleaning taking place before and after a professional’s visit.
Staff were seen to be following the current government guidance in relation to the personal protective equipment (PPE) being used and engaged fully in the testing for COVID-19. PPE was available in all areas where staff may need to access it.
Staff trialled the use of different types of visors and masks in conjunction with the local IPC team, to determine which were the most suitable for the residents.
People living at the home were supported to maintain contact with their families and friends via video technology and also received regular updates from the management team.
The Willows is a residential care home which can provide personal care to 21 people. At the time of the inspection there were 20 people living in the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they felt safe at The Willows. Any risks were identified and well managed. Staff understood safeguarding procedures. They were encouraged to report concerns and issues reported were investigated appropriately. There were good systems to ensure staff were safely recruited, and a high ratio of staff to people. Staff were vigilant and responded promptly to people’s needs. They were attentive to people’s health needs and diligent when administering medicines. Regular checks ensured the premises were clean and provided a safe environment.
The service worked within legislative guidelines. Staff were well trained and pre-assessments and reviews ensured they could meet the needs of the people who lived at The Willows. People told us that they enjoyed the food and we saw there was a plentiful supply of snacks and drinks offered throughout the day. People told us they were offered choices. Where people lacked capacity, assessments ensured that any restrictions placed on people were in their best interests and the least restrictive option. People told us that the staff were mindful of their dietary needs and that they liked the food provided.
People were supported by kind and caring staff who took care in their interactions and knew people’s needs and preferences. They communicated easily and comfortably with people and their families, which helped create a pleasant atmosphere.
Good care records and progress notes addressed individual needs and wishes and tracked any changes in need. People told us that they had enough to do and we saw that there was a good range of activity on offer. When people raised issues, their complaints were properly investigated.
The provider maintained a good oversight of the service which was well led by a management team who were involved in the day to day running of the service. They had built an open and welcoming service where people felt happy with the quality of their support. There was excellent communication with people and relatives on a regular basis, and people felt that they could influence how their care was delivered.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at
www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 06/11/2018 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on our current methodology.
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.