This inspection took place on 13 August 2015 and was unannounced.
Beechcroft Manor Nursing Home is registered to provide accommodation, personal care and nursing services for up to 18 older people and people who are living with a physical disability. At the time of our inspection there were 12 people living at the home. People were accommodated in single rooms, some with en suite facilities. There was a shared lounge, dining room and an enclosed garden.
There was a registered manager in place. 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.
There were appropriate processes and risk assessments in place to protect people from risks to their safety and wellbeing, including the risks of avoidable harm and abuse. Staff were aware of their responsibilities to recognise and report signs of abuse. Arrangements were in place to keep people safe and comfortable in the event of an emergency evacuation.
The registered manager made sure there were enough staff with the right skills and knowledge to support people safely. Staff stored and administered medicines, including skin creams and ointments, safely. Medicines records, including for medicines prescribed “as required” were accurate and complete.
Staff were supported to obtain and keep up to date the skills and knowledge they required to support people. They were aware of the need to obtain people’s consent and were guided by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 where people lacked capacity to make certain decisions. Where people lacked capacity and were at risk of being deprived of their liberty in order to keep them safe, the registered manager had applied for authorisation under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
The service provided varied, nutritious meals which were prepared and served according to people’s individual needs. People had access to their GP and other healthcare providers when needed.
Staff had established caring relationships with people. They knew about their life history and interests, and spent time chatting with them when they were not actively supporting people. Staff supported people to take part in decisions about their care and support, and people were listened to. Staff respected people’s individuality, privacy and independence.
People received care and treatment that met their needs and took into account their wishes and preferences. Staff delivered care and treatment in line with plans and assessments that included the management and treatment of longer term medical conditions. The service had a procedure in place to manage complaints, but people had not felt the need to use it.
Staff supported people in a variety of individual and group activities, including trips outside the home. Staff encouraged and supported people to take part in activities so they did not feel excluded.
People, their families and staff were all complimentary about the atmosphere and culture in the home. People expressed affection for the home and its staff. Staff expressed pride in the service provided, and described it as homely and well run.
The registered manager had an effective and organised management system, and had introduced imaginative methods to maintain the quality of the service and to communicate their priorities and values.
There was a thorough and wide ranging system of checks and audits to monitor and assess the quality of service. Actions arising from these checks were followed up.