Background to this inspection
Updated
10 March 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 18 February 2021 and was announced.
Updated
10 March 2021
Portcullis House is a residential care home which is registered to provide care and accommodation to up to 44 people. The home specialises in the care of older people, including people living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 31 people living at the home.
People’s experience of using this service:
Since the last inspection the provider had made improvements to the care provided to people and the effectiveness of their quality monitoring systems.
Portcullis House provided a comfortable friendly environment for people to live in. Visitors were always made welcome and people told us they felt at home.
People felt safe at the home and with the staff who supported them. The risks of abuse to people were minimised because the provider had systems and processes in place to protect people. Staff treated people in a non-judgemental way and respected them as individuals. Any concerns regarding poor practice by staff was dealt with promptly to make sure people were not put at risk.
People were cared for by staff who had the skills and experience to meet their needs. Staff had received training to make sure they were able to meet people’s specialist needs. In the area of the home which cared for people who were living with dementia, staff interacted well with people which created a relaxed and calm atmosphere.
People were 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. People told us staff encouraged them to be independent where possible.
People told us staff were kind and patient and we saw this during the inspection. People were assisted in an unhurried manner and their dignity was respected.
People could choose to socialise with other people or remain in the privacy of their personal rooms. During the inspection we saw some people enjoyed laughter and friendly banter with staff. Staff respected people’s choices.
People’s nutritional needs were assessed and met. People told us there was always a choice of meals and they could request alternatives to the meals on the menu. People’s specialist diets were catered for.
Each person had a care plan which identified their needs and gave staff guidance about how people wished to be cared for. This helped to make sure people received support in accordance with their needs, preferred routines and lifestyle choices.
Staff had a good understanding and knowledge of the people who lived at the home. This enabled them to provide care and support which was person centred.
People lived in a home where the provider was committed to seeking their views and making on-going improvements in line with people’s wishes.
Rating at last inspection: Requires improvement (published 29/03/2018)
Following the last inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key questions, safe and well led to at least good. An action plan was received by CQC and at this inspection we saw that actions planned had been put into practice.
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on previous rating.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk