Norton Court, an extra care service run by Mears Extra Care Limited supporting 19 people, was rated Good across all five key questions at this May 2022 inspection. Inspectors found safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care, with only a minor recommendation to address reduced post-pandemic activities to mitigate isolation risks.
Concerns (1)
minor
Person-centred care
: “There used to be regular activities, but these were cancelled during the pandemic... We recommend the provider seeks and follows best practice guidance on reducing the risks of isolation.”
Strengths
· Robust safeguarding procedures with trained staff who understood reporting duties
· Safe medicines management with trained, competency-assessed staff and monthly MAR audits
· Sufficient staffing levels with robust recruitment including DBS and reference checks
· Comprehensive induction, ongoing training, regular supervision and annual appraisals
· Effective multi-agency working including bi-weekly GP visits and 'Working Together' document
Quality-Statement breakdown (24)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseNot rated
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementNot rated
safe: Staffing and recruitmentNot rated
safe: Using medicines safelyNot rated
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionNot rated
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongNot rated
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawNot rated
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceNot rated
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietNot rated
effective: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely careNot rated
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceNot rated
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityNot rated
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careNot rated
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceNot rated
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesNot rated
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsNot rated
responsive: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships to avoid social isolationNot rated
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsNot rated
responsive: End of life care and supportNot rated
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringNot rated
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsNot rated
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffNot rated
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careNot rated
well-led: Working in partnership with othersNot rated
This was a targeted infection prevention and control inspection of Norton Court extra care service, which was inspected but not rated. CQC was assured on all eight IPC areas, including PPE use, testing, visiting arrangements, hygiene practices and outbreak management.
Strengths
· PPE available at entrance with signage and hand sanitisers; staff used PPE appropriately and disposed of it safely
· Staff received infection control training and understood donning and doffing procedures
· Routine COVID-19 testing and vaccination of people and staff in line with national guidelines
· Regular infection control audits and up-to-date IPC policies and procedures
· Registered manager worked closely with local authority Public Health team and followed guidance
Quality-Statement breakdown (2)
safe: Staffing - measures in place to mitigate COVID-19 related staff pressuresNot rated
safe: How well are people protected by the prevention and control of infectionNot rated