Blythe Bridge

Updated 26 October 2019

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.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Heathcote (Blythe Bridge) is a ‘care home.’ People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as 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.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. 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 spoke with two people who used the service and two care staff. We also spoke with the registered manager and the regional manager.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records, medication administration record, quality monitoring audits. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 26 October 2019

About the service

Heathcotes (Blythe Bridge) is a residential care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care to up to eight people who have a learning disability. At the time of the inspection five people were in residence. Three people were away on holiday.

Heathcotes (Blythe Bridge) is located on two floors which is accessed via stairs. All bedrooms are single occupancy. Bath/shower rooms were located on both floors. People had access to communal areas and a garden at the rear of the property. People who use the service do not have any physical disability. Hence, there were no aids or adaptations in place.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

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

At our previous inspection we found there were insufficient staffing levels to meet people’s assessed needs. At this inspection the provider had taken action to ensure there were enough staff on duty. At our last inspection we identified that the provider’s governance was not entirely effective to monitor the staffing levels in the home. The provider had now taken sufficient action to address this.

People were protected from the risk of potential abuse because staff were aware of how to safeguard them. Risk management was effective to reduce the risk of harm to people. People’s prescribed medicines were managed by skilled staff. People were supported by staff to keep their home clean.

The undertaking of a care assessments ensured people received a service specific to their needs. Staff were skilled and had access to supervision sessions. New staff were provided with an induction to ensure they had the skills to care for people. People were supported by staff to purchase, prepare and to cook their meals. The registered manager worked with other agencies to ensure people received a safe and effective service. People were supported by staff to access relevant healthcare services when needed. The environment was equipped with all the essential furnishings to ensure people’s safety and comfort.

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.

People were cared for by staff who were kind and attentive to their needs. People were encouraged to be involved in decisions about their care which was delivered in a way that promoted their right to privacy and dignity.

People’s involvement in their assessment ensured their needs were met appropriately. People were supported by staff to pursue their interests. Complaints were listened to, taken seriously and acted on. At the time of our inspection no one was receiving end of life care.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

The service promoted a positive culture and the management team was described as supportive and approachable. Staff were clear of their roles and understood their responsibilities under the duty of candour. The provider engaged people and worked in partnership with others. The registered manager could demonstrate continuous learning to ensure people received a service specific to their needs.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Requires Improvement (published 9 November 2018).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.