Doddlespool Hall Care Home

Updated 17 November 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check whether the provider had met the requirements on a specific concern we had about accident and incident management. 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 was completed by one inspector.

Service and service type

Doddlespool Hall Care Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service short notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small and we wanted to be sure the registered manager would be at the home to speak with us.

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. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

During the inspection

We spoke with two people and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with three members of staff including the registered manager, senior care worker and care worker.

We reviewed a range of records relating to the management of the accident and incidents and infection prevention and control, including policies and procedures.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the registered manager to validate evidence found. We spoke with two professionals who support the service.

Updated 17 November 2021

About the service

Doddlespool Hall Care Home is a large two storey detached building in its own grounds. The home provides care and accommodation for up to 25 older people and people living with dementia or disabilities. The home is at the edge of a small village. There are large gardens surrounding the home with parking available. At the time of the inspection 19 people lived in the home.

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

People were safe and protected from abuse because staff assessed and managed risk. There were enough staff to meet people’s care and support needs. Staff were recruited safely. People received their medicines as they needed. The home was clean and maintained and staff practised good infection control.

The design of the home met the needs of people who were resident at Doddlespool Hall Care Home. The management team had started researching best practice guidance to develop the environment so it was more dementia friendly. People were helped to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff assessed people's capacity to make decisions and supported them with decision making. People said they were able to see healthcare professionals promptly to assist their health and wellbeing. Staff supported people to eat and drink and were familiar with people’s dietary needs. People said they enjoyed the food. Staff had been appropriately trained and supported and had the skills, knowledge and experience to provide good care.

People said they were involved in planning their care and encouraged to make decisions. Staff provided care that met people’s different needs and preferences. People said they were happy with their care and were treated with respect and consideration.

Staff had assessed people’s specific communication needs and were familiar with the ways they communicated. People were able to get involved in a variety of activities. Staff encouraged people to tell them about any concerns or complaints. People felt these were dealt with effectively. Staff supported people when at the end of life, to have a comfortable, pain free and peaceful end.

People said the management team asked them for their views and comments. They told us staff listened to and acted on these. Staff worked in partnership with other services and organisations to make sure they followed good practice and people in their care were safe. The management team monitored and audited the service to check on the quality and make sure staff were providing good care. They understood and acted on legal obligations, including conditions of CQC registration and those of other organisations.

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

Rating at last inspection:

At the last inspection the service was rated good (published 17 March 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

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.