Ivy Grove

Updated 20 January 2023

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 team consisted of 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

Ivy Grove 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. Ivy Grove 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

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. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 7 people who used the service and 5 relatives. We spoke with 7 staff including the registered manager, activities co-ordinator, maintenance person, chef and 3 care staff. We looked at a range of management records including medicines, quality audits and building safety certificates. We reviewed 6 people’s care records including risk assessments and 4 staff recruitment records. After the site visit, we continued to liaise with the service. The registered manager sent us documentation we asked for and clarified any queries we had.

Updated 20 January 2023

About the service

Ivy Grove is a care home for 46 older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. The home is spread over 3 floors and each floor is accessible by a lift. At the time of this inspection there were 36 people using the service.

The care home is run by 2 companies; Care UK Community Partnership and Bayfield Court Operations Limited. These 2 companies have dual registration and are jointly responsible for the services at the home. Care UK has replaced Gracewell Healthcare Limited since the last comprehensive inspection and the care home was known as Gracewell of Chingford.

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

People were kept safe from the risk of harm or abuse. People using the service felt safe with staff at the service and relatives confirmed this was the case. Staff knew how to report concerns of abuse. People had risk assessments in place.

There were enough staff at the service to meet people’s needs and nobody had to wait long for support. Staff were recruited safely. Medicines were managed safely, and people were protected from risks associated with the spread of infection. Accidents and incidents were recorded, and lessons learnt from these shared with staff.

People had assessments before they began to use the service. Staff were supported with appropriate training and supervision. People had a choice of nutritious food and drink and their healthcare needs were met. The building was designed to meet people’s needs and people were involved in decisions about the environment. 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.

Staff were knowledgeable about people and their care needs. People and relatives thought staff were kind and caring. Staff understood how to treat people fairly and equally. The provider involved people and relatives in decision-making around the care people received. People’s privacy and dignity was promoted, and staff understood how to maintain people’s independence.

Care plans were person-centred and staff understood how to deliver personalised care. People’s communication needs were met. There were a variety of activities offered to people inside and outside the service. People and their relatives knew how to make a complaint. Care records documented end of life care wishes so this type of care could be provided when needed.

People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the leadership in the service. Managers and staff understood their role and responsibilities. The provider involved people, relatives and staff in developing the service. People, relatives and staff had regular meetings so they could be updated on changes within the service. The provider had quality assurance systems in place and carried out quality surveys to identify areas for improvement. The provider worked jointly with other agencies to improve outcomes for people.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service under the previous joint providers (Bayfield Court Operations Limited and Gracewell Healthcare Limited) was good published on 31 January 2019.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service. There had been a change in the joint providers where Care UK replaced Gracewell Healthcare Limited. This change in registration took place on 10 December 2021 alongside a change in location name.

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.