Kingscourt

Updated 10 May 2022

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

This inspection was completed by one 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

Kingscourt 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. Kingscourt is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the 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 six people who used the service and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We also observed interactions between staff and people living at Kingscourt.

We spoke with nine members of staff including the operations manager, registered manager, lead nurse, care workers and ancillary staff.

We reviewed a range of records. This included five people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. We also looked at a sample of temporary (agency) worker records in relation to suitability for the role and induction. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 10 May 2022

About the service

Kingscourt is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 37 people. The service provides support to older people, some of whom were living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 28 people using the service.

Kingscourt accommodates people in one building across three floors, each of which has separate adapted facilities.

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

There were some areas of the home which required redecoration or replacement of furniture. We received assurances from the provider which demonstrated plans were in place to address this.

Staff were also recruited safely. Staffing levels were safe and the provider responded to feedback we received during the inspection in respect of this.

People received a caring service and felt supported and valued as individuals. People told us they were treated with respect and staff upheld their dignity during care.

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.

Risk assessments and appropriate care plans had been developed to meet people’s needs. People were involved in developing their care plans which were person centred and changes were made as people’s needs changed.

The service was well-led and staff felt supported. The provider also worked with other professionals and organisations to ensure positive outcomes were achieved for people.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was good (published 24 October 2017).

At our last inspection we recommended that the provider reviewed its practices in relation to undertaking staff supervision and providing regular activities for people to engage with. At this inspection we found the provider had acted on these recommendations and had made improvements.

Why we inspected

We undertook this inspection as part of a random selection of services rated Good and Outstanding.

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.

Enforcement

Since the last inspection we recognised that the provider had failed to comply with a condition on their registration to have a registered manager in post. This was a breach of regulation and we issued a fixed penalty. The provider accepted a fixed penalty and paid this in full.

Follow up

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