Archived: Gracewell of Adderbury

Updated 25 December 2020

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check whether the provider had met the requirements of the specific concern we had about staffing levels, increased falls and poor management of the home. We will assess all of the key question at the next comprehensive inspection of the service.

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

This inspection was undertaken by an 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

Gracewell of Adderbury 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 announced. However, the specific date of the inspection was not given to the provider.

What we did before inspection

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. 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. We used all of this information to plan our inspection. We had requested information from the provider prior to the inspection and this information was used as part of the inspection plan.

During the inspection

We spoke with 11 people and received feedback from three relatives. We looked at two people’s care records. We spoke with the registered manager and four staff which included, a nurse, care staff and a kitchen assistant. 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.

Updated 25 December 2020

We inspected this service on 12 April 2018. Gracewell of Adderbury is a new 60 bedded '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 services comprises of four units across two floors, each of which have separate adapted facilities. The first floor unit specialises in providing care to people living with dementia. On the day of our inspection there were 28 people occupying three out of four units. This was our first inspection at the service.

This service has a dual registration which means there are two registered providers jointly managing the regulated activities at this single location. They are: Gracewell Healthcare Limited and Gracewell Healthcare 3 Limited. This means the service is subject to one inspection visit however the report is published on our website twice, under each provider.

At this inspection we found the service was Good in all five domains and Good overall.

We were warmly welcomed by the staff that were forthcoming in speaking to us and there was a pleasant and calm atmosphere throughout the day. Gracewell of Adderbury had a clear staffing structure in place and staff knew their roles and responsibilities.

The service’s deputy manager was acting up as a general manager and there was a recruitment process in place for a new manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. People, relatives and staff were all complimentary about the service and how it was managed. The staff at Gracewell of Adderbury received good support from the providers’ senior management team. There were quality assurance and monitoring systems in place that effectively identified areas for improvement. The management ensured where required appropriate action was promptly undertaken.

People were safe and told us they had no concerns. Staff knew how to report safeguarding concerns and they knew how to report to external agencies if needed. People’s care files contained detailed risk assessments that included management plans to keep people safe. There was a system to manage accidents and incidents. The management ensured lessons were learnt where possible and a preventative action taken as necessary.

People were supported by sufficient number of suitable staff and providers ensured safe recruitment processes were followed. People were cared for by staff that received ongoing training and support to carry out their roles effectively.

People’s rights to make their own decisions were respected. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and report on what we find. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were supported to access health services. The team worked well in partnership with health and other professionals where required. People were positive about the food. They were supported to meet their nutritional needs if required and there were systems in place that ensued people’s weights and well-being were maintained.

The service was caring and people complimented the compassionate nature of staff. The providers ensured staff worked to organisational values such as kindness, empathy, integrity and respect. People were supported to maintain their independence and they were involved in their support. People’s dignity, privacy and confidentiality were respected.

People’s needs were assessed prior to admission to the service to ensure their needs could be met. This included people’s physical needs as well as emotional needs. People told us they received support that met their needs and that staff knew them well. People were provided with a variety of activities, according to their needs and choices. People and their relatives knew how to make a complaint and told us they had no hesitation in raising concerns as these were addressed promptly.