The Briars

Updated 15 April 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 the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 30 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 15 April 2021

About the service

The Briars is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to older people, including people living with a cognitive impairment and complex needs. At the time of the inspection the service was providing support to 33 people. The Briars is a large building that has been adapted to suit the needs of the people living there. There are communal areas for people to use, a dining area and an accessible garden. Accommodation is based over four floors and there is a passenger lift in between floors for people with mobility needs.

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

People received a high standard of person-centred care which valued their individual choices and met their different needs. Staff provided support in a way that gave people a voice and enabled choice and control over their care.

People were provided with the opportunity to take part in a wide range of mentally and physically stimulating activities and staff encouraged people to maintain and develop relationships that were important to them.

Care plans were clear, detailed and person-centred, which guided staff on the most appropriate way to support them. A complaints procedure was in place, which ensured concerns were investigated and acted upon appropriately.

Where required, arrangements were in place to support people in a dignified manner at the end of their life.

Appropriate safeguarding procedures protected people from the risk of abuse. There were enough staff to meet people's needs and they had been recruited safely. Individual and environmental risks were managed appropriately. People received their medicines safely and as prescribed.

Staff received appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role effectively.

The service worked well with health and social care professionals to ensure people received effective care.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff demonstrated a caring approach to their roles and had built positive relationships with people and their relatives.

People's privacy and dignity were respected, and care was delivered in a way that promoted people's independence. The provider advocated for people's rights and supported their equality and diversity needs.

People and their relatives felt the service was run well. A clear management structure was in place and feedback about the service was sought from people, their relatives and staff. Quality assurance systems were in place to assess monitor and improve the service.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Outstanding (published 12 July 2017).

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 re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.