• Care Home
  • Care home

Magdalene House

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

10-14 Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 8AP (01254) 268880

Provided and run by:
Mr Alastair J Barrett and Mrs Philippa C Bailey

All Inspections

6 July 2023

During a monthly review of our data

We carried out a review of the data available to us about Magdalene House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.

This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.

If you have concerns about Magdalene House, you can give feedback on this service.

18 August 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Magdalene House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 39 people aged 60 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 52 people.

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider and registered manager had comprehensive processes to minimise the risk to people, staff and visitors from catching and spreading infection. These included weekly testing of staff, and a specially created 'socially-distanced pod' in the garden area so that visitors could visit their loved ones safely. Sanitiser and PPE were available throughout the home. There were signs in the home to promote the use of PPE and regular use of hand sanitisers.

Infection control policy and people's risk assessments had been completed and revised following the pandemic so that people were protected in the event of becoming unwell or in the event of a covid 19 outbreak in the home. On one admission to the home, the registered manager insisted that the person was tested before admission into the home and another had to be isolated in line with Public Health England guidance. There was innovative use of social media and electronic tablets to communicate with health professionals to promote people's physical health. People's mental well being had been promoted by 'easy to use' video conferencing that relatives and friends could easily access.

The registered manager was participating in a comprehensive home testing process and had completed testing for people and staff. They had comprehensive knowledge of good practice guidance and had attended Covid 19 webinars hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. They had sufficient staff to provide continuity of support and ensure safeguards were in place should there be a staff shortage.

We saw Covid 19 policies and procedures were in place and current. They were regularly reviewed when guidance changed. The home was clean and hygienic. All staff had received Covid 19 related supervision and had access to appropriate support to manage their wellbeing should it be required.

13 December 2017

During a routine inspection

We carried out an unannounced inspection of Magdalene House on 13 and 14 December 2017.

Magdalene House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The home is registered to provide accommodation and nursing care for up to a maximum of 52 people. At the time of the inspection there were 48 people accommodated in the home.

At the last inspection in July 2015, we rated the service as good. At this inspection, we found the service remained good.

People living in the home told us they felt safe and staff treated them well. People were supported by enough skilled staff. The registered manager monitored staffing levels to ensure people’s needs were met. Appropriate recruitment procedures were followed to ensure prospective staff were suitable to work in the home. Safeguarding adults’ procedures were in place and staff understood their responsibilities to safeguard people from abuse. Potential risks to people's safety and welfare had been assessed and preventive measures had been put in place where required. People's medicines were managed appropriately.

Staff had the knowledge and skills required to meet people's individual needs effectively. They completed an induction programme when they started work and they were up to date with the provider's mandatory training. People were supported to make decisions about their care and staff sought people’s consent before they provided support. The registered manager planned to further embed the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 within the care planning process. There were appropriate arrangements in place to support people to have a healthy diet. People had access to a GP and other health care professionals when they needed them.

Staff treated people in a respectful and dignified manner and people's privacy was respected. Some people living in the home had been consulted about their care needs and had been involved in the care planning process. We observed people were happy, comfortable and relaxed with staff. Care plans and risk assessments provided guidance for staff on how to meet people’s needs and preferences. There were established arrangements in place to ensure the care plans were reviewed and updated regularly.

The service was responsive to people’s individual needs and preferences. People were given the opportunity to participate in social activities both inside and outside the home. People had access to a complaints procedure and were confident any concerns would be taken seriously and acted upon.

Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service provided and ensure people received safe and effective care. These included seeking and responding to feedback from people in relation to the standard of care.

8/9 July 2015

During a routine inspection

The service is registered to provide personal care for 52 older people who require nursing or personal care. On the day of the inspection 44 people resided within the home.

We last inspected this service in May 2014 when the service met all the standards we inspected.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have a legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We looked at staff files and the training matrix. We found staff were robustly recruited, received induction and support when they commenced work, trained in topics relevant to the service and were in sufficient numbers to meet people’s needs.

There were systems in place to prevent the spread of infection. Staff were trained in infection control and provided with the necessary equipment and hand washing facilities to help protect their health and welfare.

People told us the food served at the home was good and they were offered choices about what they ate. We saw there was a good supply and choice of food.

We found the ordering, storage, administration and disposal of medication was safe.

Staff had completed training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) so they should know when an application needs to be made and how to submit one. Several applications had been made using the correct procedures and personnel.

Electrical and gas equipment was serviced and maintained. There was a system for repairing faults or replacing equipment.

There were individual risk assessments to keep people safe and evidence that the service contacted healthcare specialists for advice or equipment when required...

People had an emergency evacuation plan and there was a business continuity plan to keep people safe in an emergency.

We toured the building and found the home to be warm, clean and fresh smelling. Furniture and equipment was suitable to the needs of people who used the service and there was a homely atmosphere.

Plans of care were individual to each person and had been regularly reviewed to keep staff up to date with any changes to people’s needs. People’s choices and preferred routines had been documented for staff to provide individual care.

People who used the service were able to join in activities if they wished and we observed people using the garden, which provided both relaxation and a means of exercise.

We observed that staff were caring and protected people’s privacy and dignity when they gave personal care. Staff were observed to have a good rapport with people.

Policies and procedures were updated and management audits helped managers check on the quality of the service.

People who used the service were able to voice their opinions and tell staff what they wanted in meeting and by completing surveys. People who used the service were also able to raise any concerns if they wished.

We saw the manager analysed incidents, accidents and compliments to improve the service or minimise risks.

7 May 2014

During a routine inspection

We spoke with many people who used the service, the registered manager and three staff members during this inspection. We also looked at the quality assurance systems. This helped answer our five questions; is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led? Below is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. Several people told us they felt safe. We observed staff throughout the day treating people with compassion and there was a good rapport with them. Safeguarding procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard the people they supported. We saw that there were effective systems on the prevention of or reporting possible abuse.

Several people told us they had no concerns. Comments included, "I have no complaints", "No complaints, overall I feel well cared for" and "I would talk to my daughter if I had any concerns but I do not". Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. We saw that managers conducted audits on concerns, incidents, compliments and complaints to help improve the service. We had received two share your experience forms prior to the inspection and looked into the reported concerns.

Several people who used the service told us the home was clean and tidy. We toured most of the building and found it to be warm, clean and well decorated. One member of staff had been trained in advanced infection control topics and all staff had received basic training. The provider reported any outbreaks of infectious diseases to the public health department who had responded and provided support and guidance.

Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly therefore not putting people at unnecessary risk.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required. We saw that the plans had been reviewed on a regular basis to keep people's care up to date. People had access to professionals and specialists to help maintain their health and welfare. Quality assurance survey forms showed us that people were satisfied with the service they received. We spoke with many people who used the service who told us they felt well cared for. Comments included, "I can only speak for myself but they look after me very well. "I am very well cared for" and "I get the care I need. Staff are very good and know what they are doing".

People who used the service were supported to make decisions. One person was taking herself into town and another person told us that was also her aim.

Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve. We talked to many people and asked if they had any complaints. Nobody we spoke with had any concerns although one person said, "You occasionally have to wait for assistance but if they are busy you can expect that".

There was a safe system for the administration of medication. We saw that the storage of medication was safe. Staff were trained to give medication and had policies and procedures and other sources of information to follow safe practices.

Is the service caring?

We spoke with many people about staff and their attitude. Comments included, "The staff are very nice", "Staff are fine", "The staff have a good attitude. No complaints from me" and "They do a good job". People were supported by kind and attentive staff.

People who used the service, their family, friends and other professionals were asked about their views of the care home. This included an annual survey which we looked at and saw the positive results. The provider used the comments and surveys to help improve the service.

We had received information from an anonymous source that food served at the home was bland, poor quality and people were left to wait after meals for an unreasonable time. We sat in the dining room for a large part of the inspection. Staff brought people who used the service for their meals a short time before the meal was served and all were taken back to their rooms or lounges in a timely manner. The food served on the day was warm, nutritious and appeared tasty. People who used the service told us, "The meals are always nice", "It was good. I ate it all", "I have no complaints about the food at all" and "The food is good". We spoke with many other people who all said the food was good. People had their nutritional needs risk assessed and specialist help or diets provided when necessary. There was a record of people's weights and we noted that their weight was stable. We looked at the food supplies and found them to be of good quality and plentiful. There was a good supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. Plans of care showed people's choices and needs were recorded around their nutrition. People were given sufficient food and drink to maintain their nutritional needs.

Is the service responsive?

People who used the service had a wide range of interests and hobbies recorded in their plans of care. We looked at the records for activities which showed us people played dominoes, enjoyed arts and crafts sessions, went out to venues of interest and were entertained in the home by groups and musicians. People completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly.

The service conducted surveys to ensure they received the care they needed. 'Resident' meetings gave people the opportunity to discuss meals and activities. One group were organising a summer fair. They had completed posters and were contacting local organisations for support. People who used the service could participate in events if they wished.

Is the service well-led?

We saw that the service worked well with other agencies and organisations. We saw that meetings with professionals were arranged if it was necessary. We saw that there was a system for sharing information in an emergency to pass on care and personal details.

The registered manager and other key staff conducted audits on the quality of care plans, infection control, medication and the environment. The service had quality assurance systems in place.

The registered manager gave her personal telephone number to people who used the service or their family members to contact her if they had any concerns or wanted information to help improve standards.

25 September 2013

During a routine inspection

At this inspection we spoke with two people individually and two people who wished to talk together. We also spoke with a visitor, several staff and the registered manager. People who used the service told us, "We are very happy here. We could not manage at home so we appreciate it here", "I like it here but there is no place like home" and "I am happy here. I have good days and bad days. I get grouchy sometimes".

People were involved in their care and gave their consent to care and treatment.

Plans of care were detailed and kept up to date for staff to deliver effective care.

The environment was homely and we saw evidence equipment, furnishings and the decor were well maintained.

Staff were sufficiently well trained and supported to meet the needs of people who used the service.

People felt confident that their concerns would be listened to.

26 July 2012

During a routine inspection

We looked at records, observed care, talked to nine people who used the service and two staff members.

People told us they had a choice to live at Magdalene House and commented, "I chose here because it is near to my family", "I had heard about it and decided to come here" and "My family chose here whilst I was in hospital and I think they made the right decision".

People who used the service said, "I think we are lucky living here. It is a lovely place and the staff are very caring", "It's a very nice place and I am very happy here. We are like a big family", "I like my breakfast in bed and if I want a nap after it I can" and "Me and my friend like to have our meal and then go for a walk in the grounds". People spoken to were very satisfied with the facilities and services at this care home.

People who used the service said, "The food is very good. I was told we have a choice if we don't like what's on offer", "We get enough and it's always good quality", "The food is good, I eat it all" and "Food is very nice indeed". People who used the service thought the food served at this care home met their nutritional needs.

Staff questioned said, "In general there are enough staff to cover the needs of people. I feel we are well supported and supervised. I think we are offered and take sufficient training to do the job competently. I am happy working here" and "There are enough staff here to meet peoples' needs and we work as a team. We get enough training to do the job. We get well supported and supervised. I enoy working here and like listening to their stories. The day goes quickly". Staff felt supported to perform their roles.

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