This inspection was carried out on the 14 April 2015 and was unannounced.
Our last inspection at Barnham Manor was carried out in February 2014 as part of our dementia themed inspections. At the inspection we found concerns with regard the safety of the care provided to people. Legislation and guidance had not been followed to protect the safety and dignity of people when they needed help with moving or lifting. At this visit we found that appropriate action had been taken.
Barnham Manor is a Nursing Home that is registered to provide accommodation for 33 older people. The registered providers are Barnham Manor Limited. Accommodation is provided over two floors. There are 28 individual rooms all of which are en-suite. There are three shared rooms. On the day of our visit there were 33 people living at the home.
The service had a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People told us they felt safe. Relative’s told us they had no concerns about the safety of people. There were policies and procedures regarding the safeguarding of adults and staff knew what action to take if they thought anyone was at risk of harm.
Care records contained risk assessments that gave information for staff on identified risks and guidance on reduction measures. There were also risk assessments for the building and contingency plans were in place to help keep people safe in the event of an unforeseen emergency such as fire or flood.
Staffing levels were maintained at a level to meet people’s needs. The staffing rota and observations showed that on the day of our inspection there were sufficient staff on duty. People and staff told us there were enough staff on duty.
Thorough recruitment procedures were carried out to check staff were suitable to work with people. Staffing levels were maintained at a level to meet people’s needs
People were supported to take their medicines as directed by their GP. Records showed that medicines were obtained, stored, administered and disposed of safely
Staff were supported to develop their skills by receiving regular training. The provider supported staff to obtain recognised qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) or Care Diplomas. Staff told us the training provided was good. People said they were well supported
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We found the service had suitable arrangements in place to establish, and act in accordance with people’s best interests if they did not have capacity to consent to their care and support.
People were satisfied with the food provided and said there was always enough to eat. People had a choice at meal times and were able to have drinks and snacks throughout the day and night. Meals were balanced and nutritious and people were encouraged healthy choices.
Staff supported people to ensure their healthcare needs were met. People were registered with a GP of their choice and the manager and staff arranged regular health checks with GP’s, specialist healthcare professionals, dentists and opticians. Appropriate records were kept of any appointments with health care professions
People told us the staff were kind and caring. Relatives had no concerns and said they were happy with care and support provided. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and staff had a caring attitude towards people.
Before anyone moved into the home a needs assessment was carried out. People and relatives knew a care plan had been prepared and said they were included in their development. They also confirmed they were invited to attend care reviews.
People’s care plans provided information for staff on how people should be supported. However care plans were task orientated and not person centred, meaning the wishes and preferences of people or those acting on their behalf were not central to their care and support plans. People’s care plans did not contain evidence of people’s involvement. Reviews did not evidence people’s changing needs were consistently monitored so that care plans had up to date information.
We observed a local vicar attending to people’s spiritual needs. Staff were seen engaging with people in a positive way and there was a regular programme of activities.
People and relatives told us the manager and staff were approachable. Relatives said they could speak with the manager or staff at any time. The manager operated an open door policy and welcomed feedback on any aspect of the service. The manager also arranged regular meetings with staff, people and relatives.
The provider had a policy and procedure for quality assurance. However this was not embeded in practice. Staff carried out weekly and monthly checks to help to monitor the quality of the service provided but the registered manager did not check that these were being carried out. Quality assurance surveys were sent out to people and relatives but these were not dated and therefore it was not possible to know when these had been sent out.
We made a recommendation regarding the use of and PRN (wen required) medicines.
We found a breach of Regulation 9 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.