Background to this inspection
Updated
11 March 2022
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC’s response to care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.
This inspection took place on 8 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.
Updated
11 March 2022
The inspection took place on 24 and 26 September 2018 and was unannounced. At our last inspection in April 2016 we awarded an overall rating of Good.
This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
Moorlands is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The care home accommodates 19 people across three floors. At the time of the inspection 17 people were being supported in the home. The service also provides domiciliary care registered at the same location which provides care and support to older people in and around Darlington. At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 63 people in the community.
The service had a registered manager. ‘A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.’
Relatives felt staff provided exceptional care and support and demonstrated a high level of compassion and kindness to people at the end of their lives. Relatives were supported during the time up to and following the death of their loved ones.
Care records were written in an extremely person-centred way. In depth assessment and exploration of people’s life history was used to develop support and guidance for staff to ensure people lived a fulfilling life in Moorlands. People’s individual wishes, needs and choices were considered. People’s care and support was reviewed on a regular basis using a holistic review which included family and health care professionals were possible.
The provider ensured people were supported to attend a broad range of activities and entertainment within the setting and in the community to maintain an active and rewarding life.
The provider had policies and procedures in place to keep people safe. Staff were trained in safeguarding.
Accidents and incidents were recorded and monitored for themes and patterns.
The provider had a robust process in place to ensure the safe recruitment of new staff.
Risks to people and the environment were assessed with control measures in place for staff support and guidance.
Medicines were managed by trained staff whose competency to administer medicines was checked regularly. Medicine administration records (MAR) were completed correctly.
There was enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staff were appropriately trained and received regular supervisions and appraisals.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People enjoyed a varied health diet and had their nutritional needs assessed regularly. People’s health was monitored and when necessary staff ensured people had access to health care professionals.
Staff treated people with dignity and respect. People’s privacy was maintained. Staff supported and helped people to maintain their independence by encouraging self-care where possible.
The provider had a complaints procedure in place. People who used the service and visitors were aware of how to make a complaint.
Health and safety checks were completed regularly and records maintained.
The registered manager and staff worked with local commissioners and other stakeholders. Community links were maintained with people accessing local amenities on a regular basis. Members of the clergy made regular visits to the home.
The provider had an effective quality assurance process in place and maintained a development plan to drive improvements.