Archived: Daisy Nook House

Updated 11 March 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 3 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 11 March 2021

About the service:

Daisy Nook House is a large, purpose-built establishment owned and managed by Meridian Healthcare Limited. The home provides accommodation and support for older people, some of whom live with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 40 people living at the home.

People’s experience of using this service:

People who used the service, their relatives and visiting professionals spoke positively about their experiences and the quality of care and support offered. A range of activities both in and away from the home were provided, offering variety to people’s day. We were told that staff were kind and respectful and were aware of the individual needs and wishes of people.

We saw that people’s prescribed medicines were stored safely. Clear guidance was provided with regards to ‘when required’ medicines, covert medication and the use of medication patches. Immediate action was taken following the inspection reinforcing to senior staff the need for accurate and complete records about people’s current medication and administration. Where people administered their own medication, checks were not completed. We have recommended the provider reviews the system for self-administration to ensure people are kept safe.

People continued to receive good healthcare support to ensure their well-being was maintained. A visiting health professional told us that staff were quick to respond to people’s changing needs. People’s dietary needs were understood and catered for. Additional records were to be implemented in relation to the use of prescribed thickeners.

Whilst people said staff supported them in a timely manner, we found from our observations, feedback from relatives and staff and a review of records that at times adequate supervision may not always be available. Following a discussion, the management team agreed to review the current arrangements to make sure enough staff were available at core times.

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. A review of people’s care records showed that pre-admission assessments, care plans and risk assessments were kept under review and reflected the individual needs and wishes of people.

We found compliance with the regulations had been maintained with regards to safe recruitment, procedures, on-going programme of staff training, infection control and hygiene standards, safeguarding people, access to health care support and good nutrition, health and safety and maintenances checks. These systems helped minimise the risks to people and keep them safe.

There was clear evidence of management and oversight of the service. Audits and checks were completed to monitor and review the service. Opportunities were provided for people and their visitors to comment about their experiences. Records showed that any themes or patterns were explored; where improvements had been identified, the management team shared ‘lessons learnt’ across the organisation to help improve practice.

Rating at last inspection:

At the last inspection the service was rated Good (24 October 2016).

At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns.

Our findings demonstrated that the service continued to meet all relevant fundamental standards. More information is in the full report.

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit in accordance with our re-inspection programme.

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