Bridgemarsh Residential Home

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 care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 25 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 15 April 2021

About the service:

Bridgemarsh is a residential care home, providing personal care and accommodation for up to up to a maximum of 24 adults who may have a learning disability, autism and or complex/physical health needs. At the time of our inspection 17 people were using the service. Part of the accommodation has been divided into five flats to provide a more independent living environment.

During our last inspection we found the quality assurance process was not effective or sufficiently robust. Information about people's needs, preferences and wishes was not fully recorded. Policies and procedures were not in place or reviewed to ensure staff had adequate guidance to follow. We identified a breach of Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Good governance. On this inspection we found the necessary improvements had been made and the service has now been rated as Good.

The service has been developed and re-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 was appropriate and inclusive for them.

People’s experience of using this service:

People were safe living in the service. Risks had been identified and people were looked after safely.

Staff were kind and caring and supported people to be as independent as possible.

People had access to healthcare professionals when required.

Staff knew how to care for people. Staff used their skills and the resources and equipment provided so the risk of accidental harm or infections was reduced.

Staff had developed effective skills to meet the complex needs of the people at the service.

People were supported to have their prescribed medicines safely to remain well.

People were supported to eat and drink.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.

The service had a well-defined management structure. The registered manager and deputy manager had clear oversight of the service and worked alongside staff. Staff were respectful of the management team and told us they were approachable and supportive.

Audits were in place and people were encouraged to give their feedback about the service. Regular surveys were carried out with a range of people, relatives, staff and professionals. Information was used to make improvements to the service.

Rating at last inspection:

Requires Improvement date of the last report published was (16th January 2019).

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor this service in line with our re-inspection schedule for those services rated as Good.