Boscobel

We found the following examples of good practice.

A ‘booking in’ procedure was in place for visitors to the home including, evidence of a negative lateral flow test, COVID-19 vaccination, temperature taken and a health questionnaire. This helped prevent visitors spreading infection on entering the premises.

The home facilitated face to face visits, in line with government guidance. Any changes to government guidance was implemented immediately. Visitors were kept up to date with any changes through telephone, email and written communication.

The home had a designated area which was used for visiting, to help minimise traffic within the home. Garden visits were also conducted when the weather permitted. Alternatives to in-person visitation, such as virtual visits, were supported, as and when necessary.

People and staff were tested regularly for COVID-19. Staff employed at the home had been vaccinated, to help keep people safe from the risk of infection. Some staff had received their COVID-19 booster vaccinations.

Individualised and detailed risk assessments for both people and staff were used to help minimise risk of infection transmission.

The home was clean, hygienic and well maintained, having recently undergone refurbishment. Both domestic and care staff helped implement good infection control practices.

Infection control policies and procedures helped ensure that the home adopted best practice which complied with current guidance. Cleaning schedules and audits were in place to help maintain cleanliness and minimise the spread of infection.

Staff were trained in how to put on and take off PPE. Posters located near PPE stations acted as a visual reminder to staff on good practices.

The home had adequate supplies of appropriate PPE. Staff changed into their uniforms and put on PPE before each shift, to help minimise any risk of contamination.

The manager maintained links with external health professionals to enable people to receive the care and intervention they needed.

Boscobel is a ‘care home’, registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 16 people with learning disabilities. At the time of the inspection there were 13 people living in the home. Accommodation is located over three floors and facilities include a lounge and a dining room and a large garden area.

We found the following examples of good practice.

Social distancing was promoted by the development of multiple sittings at meal times.

The home supported people to make effective use of social media to maintain family contact.

Adjustments were made to support residents and staff who were at greater risk from COVID-19.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

People’s experience of using this service:

The service met the characteristics of good in all of the five key questions. Therefore, our overall rating for this service is good.

People told us they felt safe and were happy living in the home and effective safeguarding procedures were in place. Staff had a good understanding of abuse and felt confident raising concerns.

We found risk assessments were comprehensive, both environmental and individual risk assessments.

People told us they felt the staffing levels were appropriate and staff were competent. We looked at the recruitment systems in place and saw that appropriate DBS checks and references were undertaken.

Medicines were managed safely and we saw evidence of competency assessments taking place for staff who administered them.

Staff received training in infection control and followed good practice. The communal areas of the home were clean and tidy. We spoke with the registered manager about the need for some additional designated time for cleaning now that the service no longer had a cleaner.

Assessments of people's needs were person-centred and comprehensive. Staff reviewed people's care regularly and appropriate referrals to external services were made.

Staff told us they had an induction and had received appropriate training to confidently carry out their role.

People told us they had a choice of meals and felt involved in the planning of the meals.

People's health and wellbeing was well documented and people experienced positive outcomes.

People told us the home was friendly and had a welcoming feel. We were aware that extensive renovations were required to the premises and these were being implemented.

Staff had appropriate knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and made appropriate Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards applications. We observed staff gained consent from individuals before supporting them.

Staff were extremely caring and knew the people they supported well. We saw positive interactions between staff and service users, demonstrating warmth, humour and compassion. People were treated with dignity and respect and were encouraged to develop relationships.

People were involved in their support plans which focussed on all aspects of their life and they had access to appropriate activities.

People knew who to speak to if they had a complaint and felt able to express concerns to staff.

The new owner and registered manager had shaped the culture of the service through their person centred value base. Staff were full of praise for the management team and felt well supported by the registered manager who was well liked and respected.

The registered manager carried out audits and accidents and incidents were managed appropriately. The service had an open culture and it was clear that the new owner and registered manager were passionate about raising standards at the service.

Rating at last inspection: The service was registered on 21 March 2018 and this was the service's first planned inspection.

Why we inspected: This inspection was part of our scheduled plan of visiting services to check the safety and quality of care people received.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service to ensure that people receive safe, compassionate, high quality care.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk