Background to this inspection
Updated
7 September 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 one inspector, a specialist advisor nurse 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
Harrier House 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. Harrier House 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.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service and sought feedback from professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with 13 people and five relatives of people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight members of staff including the registered manager, night manager, care assistants, domestic staff, kitchen assistant and maintenance staff.
We reviewed a range of records. This included five people's care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
Updated
7 September 2022
About the service
Harrier House is a care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care, including to those living with dementia. The service can support up to 84 people, at the time of our inspection 48 people were living at the home. Harrier House is purpose built and split over three floors with dining and communal areas on each floor. There were large landscaped gardens to the rear of the property and ground floor bedrooms had individual fenced outdoor spaces.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The service worked in partnership with other organisations and participated in research into music interventions for people with dementia and depression, which supports improvement and developments to best practice and consistent good quality care being delivered.
The service had staff who were ‘champions’ in different areas of specialised care. This ensured high quality care was always delivered. All the people we spoke with praised the staff for their kindness, respect and quality of care. The service was maintained to an exceptionally high level and people were encouraged to personalise their surrounding and environment. One person living at the home said, “It’s fantastic, I’m proud to live here.”
People received their medicines safely. Where appropriate people were supported to take their own medicines. Regular audits and competency checks ensured people remained safe. Everyone we spoke with told us they felt safe living at the home and praised the registered manager for the service they received.
Staff were recruited safely and trained to a high standard. There were enough competent staff on shift to ensure people were safe and received good quality care. Staff members told us they were encouraged and given the time to sit and socialise with people to build open and trusting relationships.
The premises were cleaned and maintained to high standard. Staff were knowledgeable about infection prevention control. One staff member said, “It’s everyone’s responsibility, that’s what keeps people safe.”
People were treated with respect and their dignity and independence were always supported and encouraged. Activities and clubs were formulated and designed around people’s interests. The service employed activity co-ordinators and ensured each floor had a dedicated staff member daily.
The home had an activity book with photo memories of activities and outings. Staff took pride in being able to show this to relatives to include them in the experiences.
Staff made sure that people maintained relationships that mattered to them, such as family, community and other social links. People and relatives told us they felt confident to give feedback and raise concerns if needed. End of life care planning was done sensitively, and incorporated peoples wishes and beliefs. Care plans were continually reviewed as people’s choices and wishes changed.
People told us the service was well led and placed them at the heart of everything. Relatives we spoke with supported this and told us management went above and beyond. Management and staff were clear about their roles, responsibilities and continuously looked for ways to develop and improve the service and the level of care provided.
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.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 30 April 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This is the first inspection of a newly registered service.
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.