Background to this inspection
Updated
24 October 2019
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.
Inspection team
The inspection team consisted of two inspectors 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
Walton Manor is a ‘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 service had a manager who was registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the registered 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.
We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.
During the inspection
We spoke with seven people who lived at the home and six relatives who were visiting on the day of our inspection. In addition, we spoke with six staff, the registered manager, the activities coordinator, and the chef.
We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
We reviewed a range of records. This included seven people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at four 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 updated quality assurance action plans.
Updated
24 October 2019
About the service
Walton Manor is a purpose built two storey building situated in Liverpool. The service supports older people, some of whom are living with dementia and people with nursing needs. The service can accommodate up to 49 people. At the time of the inspection, there were 44 people living at the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Most care plans contained a good level of information. We discussed with the registered manager at the time of inspection that some of the care plans varied in their level of personalised information and consistency and were not always detailed. Complaints were well documented and responded to, and end of life care was treated sensitively.
There were not always effective systems in place to check the quality and safety of the service. Although checks were in place that covered a range of key aspects they had not identified the issues we found with the environment and care plans. The registered manager was responsive to this and had implemented actions to address this. Positive feedback had been received regarding the registered manager and their ability to run the service.
Everyone told us they felt safe living at the home. Medication was well managed stored and administered in line with the legislative requirements. Risk assessments were in place and risks were assessed and reviewed. The environment was subject to regular checks, however we did see on the first day of our inspection that some fire doors were not closing correctly, this was rectified straight away. There were enough staff on shift to provide safe care.
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. People's eating and drinking needs were assessed and where additional support was needed this was in place. The service contacted the GP and made referrals to ensure people’s healthcare needs were taken care of. Staff were trained and engaged in supervision.
We received positive comments regarding the caring nature of the staff. People told us they were given choice and treated with dignity and respect. People’s confidentially was respected, and we saw numerous caring interactions between staff and people who lived at the home. It was clear people knew the staff well, there was good relationships between people and the staff.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
The last rating for this service was good. (published 15 December 2016). Since this rating was awarded the provider has altered its legal entity. We have used the previous rating of good to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection.
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.