Philip Cussins House

Updated 2 October 2021

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 practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 17 September 2021 and was announced.

Updated 2 October 2021

This inspection took place on 27 July 2018 and was unannounced. This meant the staff and provider did not know we would be visiting.

Philip Cussins House is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care as a single package under contractual agreements. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The service is provided from one three storey building and accommodates up to 26 older people, including people who live with dementia or a dementia related condition. At the time of inspection 16 people were using the service.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

At this inspection we found the service remained good.

The atmosphere in the home was relaxed and welcoming. All people told us they were well-cared for. There was a programme of regular activities and people had the opportunity to be part of the local community.

The environment was well-maintained with a good standard of hygiene. People received a varied and balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs. Systems were in place for people to receive their medicines safely.

There were enough staff available to provide individual care and support to each person. They were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff assisted people in the least restrictive way possible, the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff upheld people's human rights and provided support to them as they followed their religious beliefs.

Detailed records reflected the care provided by staff. Care was provided with kindness and people’s privacy and dignity were respected. Risk assessments were in place and they accurately identified current risks to the person as well as ways for staff to minimise or appropriately manage those risks.

Staff knew the people they were supporting well. People were protected as staff had received training about safeguarding and knew how to respond to any allegation of abuse.

When new staff were appointed, thorough vetting checks were carried out to make sure they were suitable to work with people who needed care and support. Appropriate training was provided and staff were supervised and supported.

Communication was effective to ensure staff and relatives were kept up-to-date about any changes in people’s care and support needs and the running of the service.

A complaints procedure was available. People told us they would feel confident to speak to staff about any concerns if they needed to. The provider undertook a range of audits to check on the quality of care provided.

People had the opportunity to give their views about the service. There was regular consultation with people and family members and their views were used to improve the service. People had access to an advocate if required.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.