Lincombe Manor

Updated 3 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 5 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 3 March 2021

About the service:

Lincombe Manor is a care home with nursing, and is registered for a maximum of 48 people. The registered home comprises two buildings - a multi floored and purpose-built nursing home for 40 people, and a separate 8 bed unit, known as Hewitt Lodge used for intermediate care. Intermediate care is a service supporting people return to independence following a short period of illness or hospital stay. Staff work alongside therapy staff from the Care Trust, such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists to return people to their own homes.

At the time of the inspection the service had two vacancies, but these had already been filled.

The care home is set within a complex including a period manor house converted into retirement flats and purpose-built bungalows for older people. People living in the nursing home can access services on site such as a restaurant and exercise classes. The complex is set in the Lincombes area of Torquay and has panoramic sea views from communal areas and some bedrooms.

People’s experience of using this service:

People and their relatives spoke highly of the service they received from Lincombe Manor, both in the main service and from intermediate care.

The service was exceptionally caring. People’s needs and wishes were met by staff who knew them well. We saw and were told of examples of staff going ‘above and beyond’ to help and support people they cared for. Thoughtful touches were in place, such as dog biscuits for visiting animals, and people being able to offer visitors snacks, hot drinks or a glass of wine, which was available in the lounges. This meant people could offer visitors hospitality without having to ask staff.

The service had strong person-centred values and placed people’s wellbeing at the heart of their work. People received personalised support which met their needs and preferences. People told us the service listened to their wishes and suggestions to improve their care and support. The home had a tranquil and calm atmosphere.

People received their medicines as prescribed. Risks around people’s care or health were assessed and managed. People were encouraged to maintain or regain independence, in particular in the intermediate care service. Systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse, and the service responded to any concerns or complaints about people’s wellbeing.

There was a thorough recruitment process in place that checked potential staff were safe to work with people who may be vulnerable. Enough staff were in place to meet people’s needs, and staff received the training and support they needed to carry out their role.

There was strong leadership at the service. Changes were taking place within the governance and management structure at the time of the inspection. This included the provision of a new management company. Although this had been delayed this had not adversely impacted on people living at the service. The manager was newly in post but had applied for registration and was previously an experienced registered manager elsewhere.

There were effective quality assurance systems in place to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service provided. Systems ensured learning from incidents and accidents.

More information is in the full report

Rating at last inspection: This service was last inspected in September 2016, when it was rated as good in all areas and as an overall rating.

Why we inspected: This inspection was scheduled for follow up based on the last report rating.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor the intelligence we receive about the service. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.