Updated 21 May 2021
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 Care Act 2014.
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.
Service and service type
Steep House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced. However, having consideration of the coronavirus pandemic, we gave the provider notice of our arrival from outside the premises. This was to ensure safe systems were in place to protect everyone.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from professionals who work with the provider. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We reviewed a range of records. This included health and safety records, care records for two people and multiple medicine records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service were reviewed. We spoke to four members of staff including the deputy manager, operations manager, maintenance manager and a registered nurse.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at care records, training data and quality assurance records. We received feedback from one person, four relatives and eight members of staff to obtain their feedback about leadership and the quality of care provided. We spoke to the deputy manager to obtain additional information in relation to quality assurance, staff support and risk management.