We carried out a review of the data available to us about Melford Court Care Home 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 Melford Court Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The service had comprehensive policies and procedures to manage any risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the management of people with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.
People living in the service and their relatives were supported to maintain contact.
The management team provided regular Zoom meeting calls to friends and relatives of people who used the service to provide information and updates, including changes in Government COVID-19 guidance. The role of an essential caregiver was supported and welcomed to ensure people's wellbeing was promoted.
There was a system of regular COVID-19 testing for both people who used the service, staff, and visitors. All visitors, including professionals were subject to a range of screening procedures, including showing evidence of vaccination and a negative lateral flow test before entry into the service to protect people from the risk of acquiring infections.
There was a plentiful supply of personal protective equipment [PPE] for staff and any visitors to use. Hand sanitiser was readily available throughout the service. Staff had received updated training in infection control and in the use of PPE. Staff were observed wearing PPE.
The service was visibly clean and hygienic. Daily cleaning schedules were in place. Daily cleaning included regular touch point areas, such as door handles and handrails.
Melford Court Care Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. This comprehensive inspection took place on 23 May 2018 and was unannounced.
This was the first inspection to the service since a change in registration in September 2017 when Stow Healthcare Group purchased the home.
There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with CQC 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.
There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs safely and effectively. The service used effective recruitment procedures to ensure staff were suitable for the job role they were working in. Staff completed a thorough induction and received regular training and supervision to support them in their roles.
People's needs were assessed before they moved into the home. These needs were met by staff who had the skills and knowledge to deliver effective support. People were supported to eat and drink enough to have a balanced diet and access healthcare support when required. The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
People received a service that was caring. Staff knew people's needs well and were responsive and supportive. Staff treated people with dignity and respect. The provider and staff sought to gain people's views and act on them. The service operated an electronic care documentation system. Care plans and risk assessments were person-centred, and reflected the needs of each individual.
People who lived at the home, relatives and staff told us the service was well led. The registered provider's vision and values were embedded into the home and culture. Governance systems were effective in monitoring service delivery. Management encouraged people and their families to be involved and engaged with the service. The registered manager had developed links with the local community.