Primrose Court Nursing Home

Updated 4 July 2023

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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

Two inspectors, a pharmacist inspector and an Expert by Experience carried out this inspection. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Primrose Court nursing home is a ‘care home.’ People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Primrose Court nursing home is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced. Inspection activity started on 13 June 2023 and ended on 21 June 2023. We visited the location’s service on 13 June 2023.

What we did before 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. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 6 people who use the service and 5 relatives. We carried out general observations of practice. We spoke with 12 staff including the nominated individual, the operations manager, registered manager a nurse, 6 care staff and 3 ancillary staff. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

We reviewed 12 care and medicine records, 5 staff records and the training matrix for all staff. We also reviewed records relating to the running of the service including policies and procedures.

Updated 4 July 2023

About the service

Primrose court nursing home is a care home providing residential and nursing care for up to 54 young adults and older people living with a mental health condition, dementia, physical disability or sensory impairment. Accommodation is across two floors, each of which has separate adapted facilities. The ground floor specialises in providing care to people who have a mental health condition. At the time of our inspection there were 46 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Improvements had been made across the service since the last inspection. People said they felt safe and were happy living at the service. There were enough staff on duty who knew people well. We have made recommendations about the systems in place to manage distress and agitation and the safe management of medicines.

Staff were supported to carry out their roles safely, working in-line with national guidance to care for people with long term conditions. The environment had been well-thought out for people living with dementia; improvement plans for the mental health unit were in place to further support people’s well-being needs. People spoke highly about the meal support they received. We have made a recommendation the provider reviews the mealtime experiences for people living with a dementia.

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.

Staff were kind, caring and compassionate in their approach with people. They encouraged and supported people to live fulfilled lives. Care was dignified and staff respected peoples wishes and preferences. They were supported to maintain contact with loved ones. A diverse culture was in place.

People received individualised care and support from staff who knew them well which supported them to be as independent as they wished to be. Care records needed continued development to ensure they were truly person-centred. People had opportunities each day to be involved in social activities and had access to transport to enjoy days out. We made a recommendation in relation to end of life care.

The provider had made significant improvements to the service since the last inspection. Quality assurance systems were effective in leading change and incorporated feedback from people, relatives, staff and health professionals. Leaders were visible and staff were proud to work at the service delivering care which improved people’s lives.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 8 September 2022) and there were breaches of regulation. We issued two warning notices. The provider also completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected

This inspection was carried out to follow up on action we told the provider to take at the last inspection. We also received concerns in relation to the leadership and management of the service, the environment, risk management, dignity and respect, quality of care and staff conduct and training.

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.

The overall rating for the service has changed from requires improvement to good based on the findings of this inspection.

Recommendations

We have made recommendations in relation to the management of medicines, the systems in place to oversee the management of agitation and distress and the mealtime experience for people living with dementia.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.