Our Place

Updated 10 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

The inspection was carried out by an inspector, a medicines 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

Our Place is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Our Place is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

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

This inspection was unannounced.

Inspection activity started on 14th July 2022 and ended on 18 July, at which point we had received all the additional information we had requested from the provider. We visited the service on the 14th and 18th July 2022.

What we did before the inspection

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 improvements they plan to make. We reviewed feedback we had received from the local authority. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with six people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We also spoke with the registered manager, the chef, the activities organiser, a senior support worker and a support worker.

We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records, eight people’s medicines records and two staff recruitment files. A variety of other records relating to the management of the service were also considered as part of the inspection. These included audits, training and supervision records, health and safety checks and minutes of meetings.

Updated 10 August 2022

About the service

Our Place is a residential care home situated in Sale, Greater Manchester. It was previously known as Kara House under its registration with a different provider. It provides accommodation and personal care for up to 39 people. There were 28 people living at the home when we inspected. At the time of our inspection some people has been moved temporarily from another residential care home to live at Our Place, while their own care home was renovated.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People received safe care and support and they told us they felt safe living at Our Place. Staff understood safeguarding procedures and were confident in reporting any concerns. Risks to people's health and safety had been assessed and were well managed. There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to provide care promptly. The necessary employment checks had been completed, to ensure new staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people. Apart from a few minor issues, which were dealt with promptly, we found medicines were managed safely. The building was undergoing redecoration and renovation to improve the facilities and environment for people living there. Infection control measures were in place. However, we noticed several staff not wearing their face masks correctly. The registered manager assured us they would remind staff to follow correct guidance around the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in future.

People's care needs were assessed before they went to live at the home, and the information was used to develop person-centred risk assessments and care plans. 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. Staff had completed a range of training, and all staff received regular supervision. People were supported to eat and drink enough and special diets were catered for. The service had good relationships with local health services and referred people when appropriate.

Staff provided support in a kind and caring manner. People told us they were happy living at ‘Our Place’. A range of activities was available for people to take part in.

The service was well managed. Staff were positive about the leadership of the service and praised the management team. The registered manager completed a range of checks and audits of the service to ensure any issues were identified quickly, and actions were taken to put things right. Accidents, incidents and complaints were investigated fully, and any lessons learnt were shared with staff to minimise the risk of reoccurrence.

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

Rating at last inspection

The service was registered with us on 11 February 2021 and this is the first inspection. The last rating for the service (under the name of Kara House) while registered with a previous provider was Good, published on 28 August 2018.

Why we inspected

We completed a comprehensive inspection as the provider for this service has changed. We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.