Colbury House

Updated 27 August 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

One inspector carried out the inspection 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

Colbury House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Colbury House 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 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 11 people who used the service and three relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight members of staff including the deputy manager, business manager, provider, two registered nurses, chef, head housekeeper and wellbeing coordinator.

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

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We received feedback from six relatives and a further 11 staff members. We also received feedback from three health and care professionals.

Updated 27 August 2022

About the service

Colbury House is a nursing home providing personal and nursing care to up to 58 people. The service provides support to older people some who may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 47 people using the service. Colbury House provides care in an adapted building close in a secluded setting. The home has bedrooms over two floors and shared living spaces on the ground with accessible outside areas.

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

People felt safe living at the service and relatives felt assured they were kept safe. Systems were in place to protect people from abuse. Staff we spoke to were aware of how to identify, prevent and report abuse. There were enough staff to keep people safe. Staff were safely recruited. There were plans in place for foreseeable emergencies. Staff were safely recruited.

Risks associated with people’s needs were assessed appropriately and managed. Medicines were stored safely and securely, and procedures were in place to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed. We were assured that most infection prevention and control practices were in line with current guidance.

People were supported with their nutritional needs. People received varied meals including a choice of fresh food and drinks. Staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes.

People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff we spoke with were enthusiastic about their jobs and showed care and understanding both for the people they supported. People’s privacy and dignity was respected and promoted.

There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided.

Safety and maintenance checks for the premises and equipment were in place and up to date.

The home was going through a comprehensive refurbishment programme. People were pleased with the changes to the home.

Staff felt supported in their role and received regular support and one to one sessions or supervision to discuss areas of development and to enable them to carry out their roles effectively. Staff felt supported by management and enjoyed working at the service.

Care plans provided comprehensive information about how people wished to receive care and support. This helped ensure people received personalised care in a way that met their individual needs.

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 and update

This service was registered with us on 21 May 2021 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was requires improvement, published on 14 May 2020.

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.