We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Birches on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about The Birches, you can give feedback on this service.
The Birches is a ‘care home’ that provides accommodation and personal care for up to seven people with acquired brain injury; six people were living in the home at the time of our inspection. Accommodation was found across two floors, and parts of the home had been adapted to safely support people who were living there. Well maintained living, dining and gardens areas were also provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Staffing levels were based on individual support needs of the people who were living at the home. We received mixed feedback about the numbers of staff who were employed at the home.
Safe recruitment procedures were in place. People received safe and effective care from staff who had been appropriately recruited and had undergone the correct recruitment checks.
Staff received regular supervisions and appraisals. Staff were also supported with a variety of different training, learning and development opportunities to support their skills and abilities.
Medication processes and procedures were safely in place. Staff were appropriately trained, and care records contained the relevant information in relation to medicine support people needed. We identified several administrative errors which the registered manager responded to and immediately rectified.
People’s support needs and areas of risk management were assessed and determined from the outset. Support needs and areas of risk were regularly reviewed, and staff were provided with the most relevant and up to date information they needed.
People were protected from avoidable harm; safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures were in place and staff knew how to report any concerns they had as a way of keeping people safe.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
It was evident during the inspection that the staff team were familiar with the people who lived at The Birches. We discussed with the registered manager how more detailed, person-centred care information would be beneficial.
Service design and adaptations were tailored around the needs of the people living at the home. The home offered assisted equipment, supported independence and accommodated people’s equality and diversity support needs.
Activities and stimulation were primarily offered on a one to one basis. Staff provided activity support that was tailored around individual choice and preference.
There was an up to date complaints policy in place. Complaints were responded to and managed in line with company policy.
Quality assurance systems were effectively in place and helped to ensure the quality and safety of care was routinely monitored, assessed and improved upon accordingly.
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 30 March 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
The service provides support to seven people with an acquired brain injury; three people were living in the home at the time of our inspection.
There was a registered manager in the service. 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.
People made decisions about their care and staff sought people’s consent. Where people lacked capacity they were helped to make decisions, although capacity assessments had not always been completed. Where people’s liberty was restricted, this had been identified and action taken to ensure this was lawful.
People were protected from the risks of abuse because staff understood where harm may be caused and knew how to take action when people were at risk. People were supported to take responsible risks at home and when out and encouraged to be independent and develop life skills. Where people were concerned about their safety they knew who to speak with.
People’s health and wellbeing needs were monitored and they were supported to organise and attend health appointments when these were needed. Medicines were managed safely to ensure that people received their medicines as prescribed and to keep well.
There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet peoples need. People received personalised care and were confident that staff provided care in the way they wanted to be supported. Staff knew people’s likes and dislikes and records reflected how care was provided.
Staff listened to people’s views about their care and they were able to influence the development of the service. People knew how to complain about their care and concerns were responded to.
The provider and manager assessed and monitored the quality of care to ensure standards were met and maintained. They understood the requirements of their registration with us informed us of information that we needed to know.