Franciscan Convent Blackburn

Updated 26 February 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 3 February 2021 and was announced. We gave 24 hours' notice of the inspection due to restrictions in place during the COVID pandemic.

Updated 26 February 2021

About the service

The Franciscan Convent Blackburn is registered as a residential care home to provide personal care and accommodation for up to 13 older people. The Convent accommodates retired Sisters of the congregation of the Franciscan Missionary of Saint Joseph and females of the Christian faith. The communal rooms, Chapel and grounds are shared with the Convent community. At the time of the inspection there were five people using the service.

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

The Franciscan Convent Blackburn had a calm, caring and friendly atmosphere. People were happy living at the service. One person explained, “I am here because I can continue to live my faith here. That’s very important to me.” Management and leadership arrangements supported the effective day to day running of the service. Staff were enthusiastic and motivated. People were consulted about their experiences and could make suggestions for improvements.

People told us they felt safe at the service. Risks to individuals were assessed and managed. Staff recruitment ensured appropriate checks were carried out. There were enough staff to support people safely. Staff were aware of safeguarding matters, they had received appropriate training. People were satisfied with the support they received with medicines. Processes were in place to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. There were some minor shortfalls with medicines management and the provision of suitable equipment. These matters were proactively rectified.

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.

People were satisfied with the variety and quality of the meals provided at the service. They were supported with their healthcare needs, medical appointments and general well-being. Furnishings and décor aimed to respond to people's needs and comfort. The provider offered a programme of staff training, development and supervision.

People made positive comments about the caring attitude of staff.They said their privacy and dignity was respected We observed staff interacting with people in a compassionate and friendly manner. Staff knew people well and responded to them as individuals. They were respectful of their lifestyles, choices and opinions.

People received personalised care and support, their needs and choices were assessed, planned and reviewed regularly. There were opportunities for people to engage in a range of activities. Importance was placed upon fulfilling and nurturing people’s faith. People had contact with families and friends. Processes were in place to support people with making complaints.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 28 July 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.