Longlands

Updated 7 December 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 completed by two inspectors.

Service and service type

Longlands 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. Longlands is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

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 since they registered. We sought feedback from the local authority 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 5 people who used the service and 5 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 11 members of staff including the registered manager, deputy managers, nurses, kitchen staff, domestic staff and care workers.

We reviewed a range of records. This included 6 people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at 3 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.

Updated 7 December 2022

About the service

Longlands Care Home provides personal and nursing care for up to 51 people in one purpose-built facility. The service provides support to younger and older people and people with sensory impairments, physical disabilities and dementia. At the time of inspection, 41 people were using the service.

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

Systems and processes to ensure good oversight of the service were not always effective in identifying concerns or rectifying issues.

We have made a recommendation to review staff training and understanding in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. 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. However, the policies and systems in the service did not support this practice.

Risks assessments required additional information to ensure staff understood the risks, and mitigating strategies were followed. Records of tasks completed to mitigate risks were not consistently recorded.

Care plans required improving to ensure all of the information was detailed and up to date. Records of support offered was not consistently completed to evidence staff had followed care plans. Actions from health appointments or health concerns were not consistently recorded.

People, staff and relatives told us they were not always asked for feedback on the service. We received mixed views on information sharing.

The provider was in the process of recruiting new staff. However, people, relatives and staff had concerns over the number of temporary (agency) staff used. The use of agency staff impacted on the recording of support offered to people, information being shared with relatives and how well staff knew people.

People lived in a homely, clean environment. Bedrooms were personalised and people had access to multiple communal rooms. People were able to choose to take part in activities, stay in their room or go into a communal room for company.

People were supported to access their medicines safely. Staff were trained and understood the best practice guidance on administering medicines. Medicine records were appropriately completed.

People were protected against abuse. Staff were trained and understood how to recognise and report any potential abuse. Injuries were recorded and actions taken when appropriate.

People were supported by staff who showed a genuine interest in them. People told us staff were kind and caring. Staff promoted people’s privacy, dignity and independence.

People were supported with any communication needs they have. Care plans included how a person communicated and any aids that were required to facilitate effective communication.

People were supported to stay in contact with significant people in their lives. Visitors were welcomed into the home.

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 10 October 2020 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was rated good (published 10 April 2020)

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this 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.

You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

Enforcement and Recommendations

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.

We have identified breaches in relation to oversight of the service at this inspection.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

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