Heathlands House

Updated 15 March 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

The inspection was carried out by 2 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

Heathlands House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and we looked at both during this inspection.

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. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We did not ask the provider to complete 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 10 people who used the service and 5 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 9 members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, wellbeing staff, and care staff.

We reviewed a range of records. This included 4 people's care records. We observed medicine administration and reviewed a sample of associated records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment. We also reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including audits, staff training, policies and procedures.

Updated 15 March 2023

About the service

Heathlands House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 64 people. The service provides support to older people and some who may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 43 people using the service.

The service is built over three floors. Each floor has a lounge/diner, assisted bathrooms and toilets. On the ground floor there is access to a large garden, café, cinema and a hair and beauty salon.

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

There were good monitoring processes in place to help ensure a good standard of service. Quality assurance systems identified any areas that needed further development and any remedial actions were implemented. Any themes and trends were identified, and actions taken if needed.

People felt they were safe and well supported by the service. Individual risks were assessed, and staff were aware of these. Reviews of events and accidents were carried out and any actions needed were undertaken.

Medicines were managed well, and staff knew how to report any concerns about people's safety or welfare. Staff communicated well to help ensure needs were met in a timely way. Infection control was managed well.

People told us there was usually enough staff to meet their needs. Staff received appropriate training for their role and people felt they had good knowledge and skills. Staff felt supported by the provider and management team.

People and relatives told us staff were kind and caring, and they were happy living at Heathlands House. Interactions observed were very positive, staff responded to people in a way that anticipated their needs and demonstrated they knew people well. Staff were attentive and caring about the people they supported.

People told us they enjoyed the activities available. Observations found people having plenty to do and a positive atmosphere in the home. The building set up enabled people to move around and gave opportunities for socialising. The building was well maintained and felt homely.

Staff enjoyed working at Heathlands House and wanted to ensure people were happy and well cared for. Care plans included all information needed to support people safely and in accordance with their wishes and preferences. These were reviewed regularly.

People, relatives and staff felt their views about the service could be sought more often. People and staff told us that the registered manager was often around the home and attended meetings for sharing views.

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 29 July 2021 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This inspection was undertaken as it is the first inspection since registration.

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.