Updated 24 August 2022
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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
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 carried out by one 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
This service provides care and support to people living in specialist ‘extra care’ housing. Extra care housing is purpose-built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is bought or rented and is the occupant’s own home. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support service.
Registered Manager
This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service notice of the inspection. This was because we wanted to gather information about the service before visiting. We also needed to be sure the registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
Inspection activity started on 14 July 2022 and ended on 22 July 2022. We visited the location’s office/service on 21 July 2022.
What we did before the inspection
We used information we had received about the service and sought feedback from the local authority. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and any improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the Inspection
We spoke with six people who used the service and three relatives. We also spoke with the area manager, registered manager, two team leaders, two care staff and an external professional who worked with the service. We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records, medication records and a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures. We also reviewed three staff files in relation to recruitment, staff supervision and training.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.