Background to this inspection
Updated
20 August 2020
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.
This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.
This inspection took place on 5 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.
Updated
20 August 2020
About the service: Alexandra House provides accommodation and personal care and support for up to 47 older people. People living at Alexandra House may have a mental health need or may suffer from dementia. On the day of inspection 42 people were using the service.
People’s experience of using this service:
During the inspection, we observed there was sufficient staff to keep people safe and we found call bells were answered in a timely manner. However, we did still receive some mixed feedback in relation to staffing.
People said they felt safe and cared for in the service. Thorough recruitment checks were carried out. Risk assessments were in place and had been regularly reviewed. Staff were aware of the measures in place to reduce risks to people. People received their medication as prescribed. Accidents and incidents were monitored to help prevent a reoccurrence. Infection control measure were in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection.
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. There had been ongoing issues with the quality of the food at the service and a new menu had just been introduced. The registered manager was actively monitoring feedback from people in relation to food.
Staff were knowledgeable about people's needs and how they were to be met. There were designated activity staff members to support people to engage in activities they were interested in, on an individual and group basis.
There were a range of quality assurance systems and processes in place to monitor the service. People's views were sought and these were taken into account when considering the development or improvement of the service.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published on 09 September 2016).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remained Good overall.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.