Shinewater Court

Updated 10 September 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 team consisted of one inspector and an expert by experience. An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Shinewater Court 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 an unannounced comprehensive inspection. The inspection was carried out on 13 and 15 August 2019.

What we did before the inspection

We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). 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 reviewed information from other agencies and statutory notifications sent to us by the registered manager about events that had occurred at the service. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law.

We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection-

We observed the support that people received and spoke with people, relatives and visiting professionals to gain their feedback about Shinewater Court.

We reviewed a range of records including two people’s care plans and daily records in full. We looked at people’s medicine records and observed medicines being given. We reviewed two staff recruitment files and records relating to staff training, management of the home, procedures and quality assurance processes.

We talked to thirteen people living at Shinewater Court, six relatives and two visiting professionals. We spoke to eight staff and one volunteer. Staff members included the registered and deputy manager, chef and kitchen staff, activity and care staff.

After the inspection –

We received feedback from one health professional who has worked with the service.

Updated 10 September 2019

Shinewater Court accommodates up to 36 people in a purpose built service. Providing care and support for people with a range of disabilities including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and other disabilities resulting from accidents or stroke. Accommodation consists of large individual rooms in the main building and 13 adjoining ground floor flats. All areas are wheelchair accessible.

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

People were at the heart of the service. Staff promoted people's right to make choices in every aspect of their lives and actively supported them to maintain their independence.

The staff and the management team provided people with support that was based on their individual needs, goals and aspirations. Therefore, care was tailored to meet people’s needs.

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 treated with dignity and respect in a way that supported and valued them as individuals. The registered manager and all staff, whatever their role worked hard to ensure people received the care they needed and lived full and meaningful lives. People's individuality was respected and embraced. Ensuring people received person centred care that met their needs and preferences was embedded into practice.

There was a high level of satisfaction with the service and the ethos at Shinewater Court was one of empowering people to maintain their independence and ensuring every person had a voice.

Risks to people’s health and safety had been identified and actions were in place to ensure risk was minimised. Staff were aware of the actions to take if they thought anyone was at risk of harm or discrimination. Any concerns identified had been reported to appropriate external professionals. A complaints procedure was in place and people were aware of the process. People told us they would speak to staff if they had any concerns at all.

Medicine procedures and systems were robust with staff competencies assessed to ensure high standards were maintained. Suitable systems were in place to prevent and control infection. Accidents and incidents were documented and reported appropriately. Any actions or lessons learned were taken forward to continually improve the service provided.

Recruitment processes were robust and people living at Shinewater had opportunity to be involved in the interview process and give feedback on prospective employees. Staffing numbers were assessed dependant on people’s needs. Regular care reviews were completed, and the service worked closely with people, relatives and other health professionals to ensure consistent, person centred care was provided.

Staff had access to a full range of training and support to ensure they could meet people’s complex needs. A consistent staffing group meant staff knew people well and understood their needs and preferences. Staff were supported to develop, and achievements were recognised.

People were encouraged to continue hobbies and interests that were important to them and supported to maintain relationships with friends and family.

People’s needs, and choices were well documented and understood by staff. It was evident that there was a close relationship between people and staff. People were involved in the planning of care and any changes to the way care and support was delivered. People’s communication needs were identified and recorded in care plans with specific methods and communication tools used to facilitate communication with people.

People were supported to have a varied and nutritious diet with healthy options provided and encouraged. People’s health and weight was monitored, and referrals made to other agencies if any issues were noted.

The registered manager and staff placed emphasis on person centred high quality care. There was an open culture which valued people and their individuality. Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities. Shinewater Court had a relaxed, open and welcoming atmosphere, and people told us it felt like home. The registered manager worked with staff each day to provide people with high quality care. A robust system of regular checks and audits were carried out to ensure the quality and safety of care being provided was maintained.

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 Good (published 10 January 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.