Background to this inspection
Updated
6 July 2018
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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection site visit activity started on 25 April 2018 and was carried out by one inspector. It included checking the service progress since the last inspection. We visited the location on 25 April 2018 to see the registered manager, staff and people using the service; and to review care records and policies and procedures.
Before the inspection we reviewed the information we held about the service including previous reports and notifications. We also reviewed safeguarding alerts and information received from a local authority and other Commissioners. Notifications are important events that the service has to let the Care Quality Commission know about by law.
We also spoke with the registered manager, two of the care staff. We reviewed three people’s care files. We also looked at quality monitoring, audit information and policies held at the service and the service’s staff support records for five members of staff including an agency member of staff.
Some people were unable to communicate with us verbally to tell us about the quality of the service provided and how they were cared for by staff. We therefore used observations, speaking with staff, reviewing care records and other information to help us assess how people’s care needs were being met.
Updated
6 July 2018
This inspection took place on the 25 April 2018 which was unannounced, the inspection team consisted of one inspector.
Springfields residential service is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Springfields residential service provides accommodation for up to 16 older people. The service does not provide nursing care. At the time of our inspection there were ten people living at the home. Accommodation and facilities for people living at Springfield residential service are situated on the ground and first floor of the building. The home is situated in Copford, Colchester, Essex.
The service was safe. The service’s recruitment process ensured that appropriate checks were carried out before staff commenced employment. There were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of people and keep them safe from potential harm or abuse. People’s health and wellbeing needs were assessed and reviewed to minimise risk to health. People’s medication was managed well and records of administration were kept up to date.
The service was effective. People were cared for and supported by staff who had received training to support people and to meet their needs. The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to eat and drink enough as to ensure they maintained a balanced diet and referrals to health and social care services was made when required.
The service was caring. Staff cared for people in an empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people’s preferences of care. Staff always worked hard to promote people’s independence through encouraging and supporting people to make informed decisions.
The service was responsive. Records we viewed showed people and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis and also when there was a change in care needs. People were supported to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The service responded to complaints received in a timely manner.
The service was well-led. Staff and people spoke very highly of the registered manager and the provider who they informed to be very supportive and worked hard to provide an exceptional service. The service had systems in place to monitor and provide good care and these were reviewed on a regular basis.