College Hill Residential Home

Updated 22 March 2022

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 11 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service one working days' notice of the inspection.

Updated 22 March 2022

College Hill Residential Home provides accommodation and care for a maximum of 11 older people some of who may have dementia. There were 11 people using the service on the day of the inspection.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People were protected from the risk of abuse because staff had a clear understanding of the safeguarding process. There were risk assessments in place to reduce risks to people’s safety. These were reviewed regularly to ensure appropriate action was taken to mitigate the risk. We saw that people’s medicines were handled safely. There were suitable arrangements for the recording, storage, administration and disposal of medicines. There were enough staff deployed to meet peoples care needs and we saw evidence that new employees were checked before they could commence work to ensure they did not pose a risk to people who used the service.

Staff had access to a variety of training. Regular supervisions and appraisals were also provided to staff. People had choice of a nutritious and well-balanced diet. The service ensured that people’s health was monitored and if required external health care support was sought to ensure people’s health and wellbeing was maintained. People's capacity to make choices had been considered in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). However, we found that the service could do more so that the environment was more supportive and enabling for people with dementia.

People told us staff were caring and compassionate. We observed that staff treated people with respect and dignity. People's individual preferences were respected. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of protecting and respecting people's human rights. They treated people's beliefs and cultures with respect. The service was mindful of the information they received about people. It recognised people’s rights to privacy and confidentiality. The service had updated its confidentiality policies to comply with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law, which came into effect on 25 May 2018.

People received care that reflected their likes, dislikes and preferences. This was evident in all areas of care. People had been consulted when their care plans were written. The care plans were being regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they reflected people's changing needs and wishes. People confirmed that they could complain if needed. There was a complaints procedure which they were aware of. There was a programme of activities organised by the home, which people participated in.

There were structures, processes and systems to support good governance. The registered manager had established policies, procedures and activities to ensure safety. The service had effective systems in place to continually monitor the quality of care and people were asked for their opinions and action plans were developed to address shortfalls.