Gormanach House

Updated 22 April 2021

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 29 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 22 April 2021

Gormanach House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection Gormanach House is registered to provide personal care for up to six people. There were four people living at the service at the time of our inspection.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

This inspection site visit took place on 3 December 2018 and was unannounced.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (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.

Relatives told us that they felt their family members were safe with staff. Staff understood risks to people’s care and what they needed to do to reduce the risks of injuries to people. Staff had received training in how to safeguard people and what they needed to do if they suspected abuse. Before staff started work checks were undertaken to ensure that they were suitable.

There were sufficient numbers of staff employed at the service. People’s medicines were managed in a safe way by staff. Staff followed best practice with regards to infection control. In the event of an emergency such as fire or flood there were plans in place to ensure that people were protected Accidents and incidents were recorded and actions were taken to reduce the risk of these re-occurring.

Before staff started work they received a detailed induction. Staff told us that they felt supported and that training at the service was effective. People told us that staff knew how to provide care and understood their needs. Training was continuous and staff competencies were reviewed regularly through spot checks and one to one meetings with their manager.

People’s opinions were sought in relation to how they wanted their care to be delivered. Staff treated people with kindness, consideration and respect. Relatives were welcomed at the service.

People were supported with the meals that that they liked and in line with their dietary needs. Staff monitored people's health and liaised with relevant health care professionals to ensure people received the care and treatment they required. Staff worked within health care social care guidance. Detailed assessments of care took place before people moved in. People had access to activities that were personalised to their likes. The registered manager worked with external organisations in relation to improving people’s care.

Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and what they needed to do if they suspected a person lacked capacity. People received personalised care that reflected their needs, interests and preferences. Regular reviews were undertaken and any changes to people’s needs were actioned by staff. The provider had a clear and accessible complaints procedure.

Relatives and staff were complimentary of the management and the support they received. Staff worked well as a team and felt supported and valued. Steps were taken to review the care and the delivery with actions to make improvements. Methods they used included audits, resident and staff meetings and spot checks.

Services that provide health and social care to people are required to inform the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of important events that happen in the service. The registered manager had informed the CQC of significant events including significant incidents and safeguarding concerns.

This was the first inspection of the service.