Kathleen Chambers House

Updated 27 September 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

The inspection was conducted by two inspectors and an Expert by Experience. 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

Kathleen Chambers 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. Kathleen Chambers House is a care home without nursing care. The Care Quality Commission (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 all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with six people living at the service and nine relatives. We spoke with 11 staff members which included the registered manager. We reviewed six people’s care records and eight people’s medicine records. We looked at a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures and audits.

Updated 27 September 2022

About the service

Kathleen Chambers House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 40 people. The service provided support to older people, people living with dementia and people with a sensory impairment. At the time of our inspection there were 26 people using the service.

The service is purpose built with wide corridors and a level accessible garden. There is a large communal dining room, lounges, activity room and a conservatory. People’s rooms are located over two floors. These have ensuite facilities and kitchenettes.

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

People told us they enjoyed living at Kathleen Chambers House. The home was purpose built, which ensured it was accessible and had many communal areas. People were supported by a consistent staff team. Staff were kind, caring and respectful.

Risk assessments were completed to manage risk whilst promoting people’s independence. However, some protocols were not in place for known health conditions.

The home was well-led and managed. Governance systems were in place to monitor and assess the quality and safety of the service. Staff received regular training and supervision.

The home was clean, tidy and well-maintained. People enjoyed their individual rooms, which supported people’s independence. There was a large, well-kept garden which people were observed using regularly. There was a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the home. People’s visitors were welcomed.

People enjoyed the food provided and mealtimes were friendly and sociable. People were supported to maintain good health.

People’s feedback and opinions were sought through meetings. Information was regularly shared with people, so they were involved and up to date with decisions about the home. There were good systems of communications with staff members and relatives. Care plans explained how people preferred their care and support to be delivered.

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.

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 28 September 2020 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 19 September 2018.

Why we inspected

This inspection 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.