Wavertree House

Updated 16 June 2022

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

This inspection was undertaken by one inspector and one assistant inspector.

Service and service type

Wavertree House 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. Wavertree House is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

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 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 this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with six people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with nine members of staff including the provider, registered manager, care workers, activity coordinator and the chef.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management and quality assurance of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to evaluate the evidence collected. We spoke with three relatives via telephone. We also sought feedback from two professionals who work closely with the service.

Updated 16 June 2022

About the service

Wavertree House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 36 people. The home provides support to older people who live with a variety of physical health needs, including some people who are without sight. At the time of our inspection, there were 34 people using the service.

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

People were safe at Wavertree House. Systems were in place to prevent people experiencing abuse or neglect and staff were confident in their knowledge of how to recognise the signs of this. Risk assessments identified what support people needed and there was guidance to staff on how to minimise these risks.

Staff were recruited in a safe way, with appropriate checks undertaken. Medicines were managed and administered correctly, and audit processes were effective to identify and address any issues in a timely manner.

People were provided with a variety of meal choices. People spoke positively about the food available and specific dietary requirements were catered for. Many different activities were available for people to participate in. These were based on people’s needs and preferences.

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.

Care plans were person-centred and staff knew people well. There were sufficient, appropriately skilled staff to ensure people’s needs were met effectively. People and their relatives gave us positive feedback about staff being respectful, kind and caring.

The service was well-led and the registered manager was clear about their role and responsibilities. Quality assurance processes were effective in driving improvement. People, staff and relatives were encouraged to give feedback and we saw action taken when changes had been requested.

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

Rating at last inspection

The service was inspected but not rated on 3 February 2022. The last rating for the service was under the previous provider and was good, published on 28 November 2018.

Why we inspected

This was the first comprehensive inspection under the new ownership. It was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service. 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.

Follow up

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