Knollbeck

Updated 30 January 2024

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 carried out by 1 inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Knollbeck 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. Knollbeck is a care home without 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.

Inspection activity started on 16 October 2023 and ended on 3 November 2023. We visited the location’s service on 16 October 2023 and 24 October 2023.

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do 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 3 relatives about their experience of care provided. We sought feedback from 3 professionals who work with the service and visited regularly. We spoke with 6 members of staff including the registered manager, support workers and team leaders.

We reviewed a range of records. This included 3 support plans and accompanying documents 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 30 January 2024

About the service

Knollbeck is a residential care home providing support and accommodation for people who have a learning disability. The service can provide support for up to 8 people. At the time of our inspection 7 people were using the service.

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

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. We considered this guidance as there were people using the service who have a learning disability and or who are autistic.

Right Support

Service design was extremely focused on people who used the service, and their comfort and safety was of paramount importance. The atmosphere throughout the service was vibrant and inclusive.

Risks associated with people’s care were identified and actions were taken to minimise risk and keep people safe. The service was clean and well presented. Building and maintenance checks were carried out appropriately.

People received their medicines as prescribed by staff who were trained and competent in the safe handling of medicines.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and analysed to ensure risks were identified and mitigated and lessons were learnt.

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.

Right Care

The atmosphere throughout Knollbeck was exceptionally positive, welcoming and homely. Staff had created a culture where people were at the heart of the service and involved in every aspect of their life and this was embedded into the ethos of the service.

People told us the enjoyed living at the home and felt staff were kind, caring and supported them well. Relatives were highly complementary about the support and care their family member received.

Right Culture

People were supported in a home where managers and staff promoted person centred care and actively looked for innovative ways to ensure people lived a life they wanted to. There was a range of meaningful inclusive activities and social events that took place to ensure people had lead a fulfilling life.

Systems in place to monitor the service were effective and instrumental in identifying concerns and taking appropriate actions.

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 24 October 2017).

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.

Follow up

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