Pitches View provides extra care housing in a village near Southwold in Suffolk. It provides personal care to people living in their own flats in a sheltered housing complex. At the time of this announced inspection there were 32 people who used the personal care service. People’s experience of using this service and what we found
There were enough staff to cover people's planned care visits. Recruitment checks were undertaken on staff prior to their appointment.
Risks were identified, and actions taken to mitigate harm, but the documentation would benefit from greater clarity. The provider had already identified that improvements could be made and was planning to implement a new recording system. Incidents and accidents were recorded and reviewed to identify learning. We have recommended that post falls monitoring is formalised.
Where people required support with their medicines, these were administered as prescribed. Checks were undertaken on medicine administration to reduce the risk of errors.
Infection control systems were in place to reduce the risks of cross infection and people told us that staff adhered to the guidelines.
Staff received training to develop their skills and knowledge. Competency assessments and observations of staff practice were completed regularly to monitor the quality of care provided to people.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff cared for them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Where people required support with their dietary needs, systems were in place to deliver this. People had access to health professionals where needed. The service worked with other organisations involved in people's care to promote people’s wellbeing.
People received care from staff who were kind and caring. People's dignity, privacy and independence were respected and promoted.
There were systems in place to ascertain people’s views and people felt listened to.
People received care and support from a consistent team of staff who knew them well. There were arrangements in place to support and care for people at the end of their lives, where required.
The service had a quality assurance system to monitor the quality and safety of the service. Where it was identified that improvements could be made a plan was put into place.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at last inspection.
The last rating for this service was good (published 20 September 2018.)
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 at all 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.