Archived: Signature at Southbourne

Updated 24 February 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 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

Signature at Southbourne 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. Signature at Southbourne is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

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 who work with the service. 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 9 people who used the service and 12 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 13 members of staff including the regional operations clinical partner, registered manager, deputy manager, care staff and catering staff. We also spoke to one health and social care professional who had experience of the service. We observed care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We reviewed a range of records. This included 4 people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at 3 staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision and a variety of records relating to the management of the service.

Updated 24 February 2023

About the service

Signature of Southbourne is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 104 people. The service provides support to older people, some of whom are living with a dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 58 people using the service.

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

People and their families described the care as safe. Staff had undertaken safeguarding training and understood their role in recognising and reporting concerns of abuse or poor practice. People had their risks assessed, monitored and reviewed and staff followed the actions needed to minimise risk whilst respecting people’s rights and freedoms. Recruitment processes ensured staff were suitable to work with older people. Staffing levels were responsive to people’s changing needs. People had their medicines managed safely. Infection, prevention and control measures were in line with the latest best practice guidance.

People received care from staff that had completed an induction and had on-going training and support ensuring they carried out their roles effectively. People’s eating and drinking needs were understood and met. Staff had good working relationships with health professionals ensuring positive outcomes for people. Records showed us people had opportunities to see community services such as dentist, chiropodists, opticians and audiologists. The environment met the physical and social needs of people.

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.

Staff were described as kind, caring and fun. Staff knew people well and understood their communication needs ensuring people were involved in decisions about their day to day lives. People had their privacy, dignity and independence respected.

People received person centered care that reflected their assessed care needs and lifestyle choices. People had opportunities to follow hobbies and interests, join in a range of social activities and enjoy private time with family and friends. A range of cultural events were celebrated. People retained links with places of worship important to them. A complaints process was in place which people and their families felt if they needed to use they would be listened to and actions taken. People had an opportunity to discuss their end of life wishes. Staff worked with GP’s to ensure people at the end of their lives had medicines and health interventions in place to keep them comfortable.

The culture of the home was open, honest, friendly and welcoming. Staff felt empowered to speak out, felt part of a team and spoke positively about their roles and the people they supported. Leadership was visible and focused on person centred care. Quality assurance processes were robust and effective at ensuring people received safe care and had positive outcomes. Partnerships with other agencies supported collaborative working, innovation and keeping up to date with best 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 9 August 2022 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was Good, published on 6 August 2019.

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.