Omega Oak Barn

Updated 18 January 2022

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. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

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 and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Omega Oak Barn 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

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority, Healthwatch and professionals who work with the service. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. 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. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 10 people who used the service and three relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eleven members of staff including the provider, registered manager, two deputy managers, senior care worker, care workers and the chef.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data, audits, menus, meeting minutes, staffing levels and quality assurance records.

Updated 18 January 2022

About the service

Omega Oak Barn is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 26 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 28 people. Omega Oak Barn supports people in one adapted building. The majority of the rooms have an en-suite and there are separate lounges and a communal dining area. People all live on the ground floor.

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

There were systems in place to protect people from the risk of abuse or harm. Medicines were managed safely. Environmental checks were completed and people’s risks were assessed and managed.

People were protected from the risk of infection transmission. People’s care needs were assessed in line with the law and guidelines. People had access to a varied nutritious diet and drinks.

The premises had recently been renovated so it was suitable to meet people’s needs. People received care which promoted dignity, respect and independence. People’s care needs were assessed and recorded in a person centred way to meet people’s preferences.

People were communicated in line with guidelines, the provider had a robust complaints process and people were supported to have a dignified end of their life. There were a variety of activities to reduce social isolation and promote people to follow their interests.

The service had a culture which was person centred, inclusive and empowering. The registered manager was clear about their role, responsibilities and acting with a duty of candour. People, relatives and staff were engaged in developing the service and there was a culture of continuous learning.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 8 April 2019 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was Good, published on 3 June 2016.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection as Omega Oak Barn has not been inspected under the current provider.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We look at this in all care home 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 until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.