Background to this inspection
Updated
28 September 2021
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.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was completed by one inspector
Service and service type
The Orchard is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a 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 unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people who used the service and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with seven members of staff including the registered manager and care workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
28 September 2021
About the service
The Orchard is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 6 people with a range of needs including dementia, learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder, mental health or physical disabilities. At the time of inspection 6 people were being supported by the service.
The Orchard is a family sized property in a residential area which looks similar to other houses on the street.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were supported by staff who knew them well, had sufficient training and who had been recruited safety.
Risk assessments and care plans were in place to cover people’s holistic needs. Strategies and goals had been recorded to support people to meet their targets.
People received medicines as prescribed. Staff supported people to make and attend any health appointment required.
Staff understood safeguarding and how to recognise and report any concerns of abuse. People told us they felt safe.
Infection prevention and control systems were in place and protected people. Staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning schedules were completed.
People received person centred care from staff who understood equality and diversity and supported people with their individual needs.
People were involved in their care planning. People were supported to be as independent as possible and staff supported people to learn new skills.
Systems and processes were in place to ensure the registered manager had oversight of the service. Audits and spot checks were completed regularly.
People and staff felt supported by the registered manager and felt able to raise any concerns if necessary.
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.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.
Right support:
• People were supported to have choice, control and independence within their lives.
Right care:
• People were cared for safely. Care was person-centred and promoted people’s dignity, privacy and human rights
Right culture:
• Ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of managers and care staff ensured people using services lead inclusive and empowered lives
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 21 February 2017)
Why we inspected
We undertook this inspection as part of a random selection of services rated Good and Outstanding to test the reliability of our new monitoring approach.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
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.