About the service Browfield provides accommodation for up to fourteen people with enduring mental health needs who require support with personal care. Accommodation is provided on three floors. There is no passenger lift. On street parking is available to the side of the home. The home is situated approximately one mile from Bury town centre and is close to all local amenities and public transport. At the time of our inspection there were 11 people living at the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Whilst the service had a registered manager, they were not in day to day management of the service. Alternative management arrangements had been put in place however these had been unsuccessful. Arrangements were being made for the area manager to register with CQC so that some stability could be provided.
Thorough governance systems were not in place to evidence clear oversight of the service; identifying areas of improvement and learning.
Concerns had been raised about the safe care and treatment of people living at Browfield. Managers were assisting the local authority with their investigations. Notifiable events such as serious injuries or abuse and allegations had not always been reported to CQC, as required by law.
Robust recruitment processes were not in place. Staff said the team worked well together and there was good communication and support. Further training and development opportunities were being explored to enhance the knowledge and skills of staff.
The management and recording of people’s prescribed medicines needed to be improved. Staff worked closely with relevant health and social care professionals so people’s current and changing needs were met, including the care of someone at the end of their life.
People told us they were happy and settled. There was a positive response to the changes being made to the home including the development of activities and opportunities enabling people to develop their daily living skills as well as accessing the local and wider community.
Care records outlined the individual needs of people and how they wished to be supported. Areas of risk were assessed and planned for. 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.
The new provider was making considerable improvements to the physical environment. All areas were being refurbished so people were provided with a good standard of accommodation. Relevant health and checks were also being completed to ensure the premises and any equipment were safe.
Good hygiene standards were maintained within the home. Additional guidance in relation to COVID-19 was being adhered to.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 20 November 2020. We carried out a focused inspection in December 2020, at that time the service was not rated. The last rating for the service under the previous provider was Good, published on 3 October 2018.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection, as a new provider and due to concerns received about the recruitment and training of staff, management and administration of people’s medication, record keeping, confidentiality and the care and support of people. As this was the provider’s first inspection, we reviewed all five domains.
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
Enforcement
We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection.
We have identified breaches in relation to staffing and recruitment, training and support of staff, management of people’s medication and good governance systems at this inspection.
Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
Follow up
We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.