Newton Hall Residential Home

Updated 22 April 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 COVID-19 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 19 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 22 April 2021

This comprehensive inspection took place on 31 January and the 1 February 2019.

Newton Hall is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided and we reviewed both areas during this inspection. The service is a registered care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 34 older people. The home is a detached property on the outskirts of Frodsham in Cheshire. Bedrooms are located on the ground and first floor. Many of the rooms on the first floor are for people who have been diagnosed with dementia. At the time of our visit, 21 people were living there.

At our last inspection in February 2016 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 or 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.

The service did not have 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 legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. A person had applied to become the registered manager and the registration process was being undertaken at the time of this visit.

Medication management was safe although we have raised two recommendations in relation to the storage of medicines in a refrigerator and records relating to disposal.

People told us that they felt safe with the staff team and trusted them. They told us that there was always enough staff to respond to their needs and for those taking medicines; always received them when required. The registered provider had appropriate systems in place for the reporting of abuse.

There were sufficient staff to meet the needs of people. People told us that there were always staff around to assist. Staff recruitment was safe.

The premises were clean and hygienic. The building was well maintained and well decorated.

Assessments were in place to ensure that people were not at risk from malnutrition, pressure ulcers or falls.

Staff received the training and supervision they required to perform their role. Staff new to the service received a structured induction.

The nutritional needs of people were met. People were given choices at mealtimes and staff were attentive to the wishes of people at these times.

The registered provider was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2015. Staff were aware of the principles and had received training in this.

The health needs of people were promoted. People were supported in a respectful and dignified manner. People’s sensitive information was kept secure at all times. People could access independent advocacy services of they wished.

Care plans were person-centred and reflected the preferences and routines of people.

A meaningful programme of activities was in place with activities provided in-house and from the local community. People who did not wish to join in group activities were given the chance to enjoy time with staff on a one-to-one basis.

A robust complaints procedure was in place.

The registered provider had a series of effective audits in place to measure the quality of the service provided.

People and their families were invited to comment on their experiences. Where suggestions were made, these were acted upon.

The service always notified us of any incidents that affected the wellbeing of people who used the service. The registered provider had displayed the ratings from our last visit prominently.