Ostley House

Updated 20 November 2020

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.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes. This inspection was to ensure that the service was compliant with infection control and prevention measures.

This inspection took place on 2 November 2020 and was unannounced.

Updated 20 November 2020

This inspection took place on 13 November 2018 and was unannounced. The last inspection of this service was undertaken on 20 and 23 May 2016.At our last inspection we rated the service as good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Ostley 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 provides permanent accommodation and short-term respite care for up to 44 people. Accommodation is mainly provided to older people and to people who have a sensory impairment. The home is a period property which has been adapted and extended for its present use.

There was a registered manager at the home. 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 legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We found that Ostley House was constantly working to improve their service to people and to look for ways to move the service forward. People told us they felt safe living at the home and that it was a good place to live. The service had an appropriate safeguarding policy, staff had undertaken safeguarding training and were aware of their responsibilities.

The registered provider continued to improve the environment for the people who lived there, the building was well maintained and it was a clean and homely place for people to live. We saw that equipment in use was regularly cleaned and had been serviced and maintained. We noted that people shared slings for moving and handling needs. We have made a recommendation that the registered manager consider current guidance on infection control and update their practice accordingly.

Medicines administration was safe and staff had undertaken appropriate training in medicines administration. We raised with the registered and deputy manager the use of written plans or protocols that made clear when to administer extra, or as required, medication (PRN) and they addressed this on the day of the inspection.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet the needs of the people who lived in the home and were monitored and adjusted when needed. Staff training was ongoing and staff had received a variety of training that enabled them to safely support and care for people. Staff recruitment processes were thorough and included all the relevant checks on suitability.

People were being supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. There was an appropriate complaints procedure which was displayed in the home.

People and/or their representatives were being included in their care planning and reviews and people told us the service was responsive to their needs and preferences. People had access to a range of organised and informal activities.

Health and safety records were maintained and regular checks undertaken on equipment in use. Accidents and incidents were recorded and there were individual and general risk assessments in place.

The service was well led by an experienced registered manager and management team. There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service, seek people's views and make on-going improvements.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.