Handley House

Updated 13 October 2020

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. This inspection was planned to check 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 conducted by three inspectors and one 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

Handley House 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 CQC. 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 announced. We gave a short period notice of the inspection because we needed to assess, plan and minimise infection risks in relation to coronavirus.

What we did before the inspection

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 looked at information we held about the service, including information the provider is required to send us about events which occur. We requested feedback from partner agencies. We used this information to plan the inspection. We requested the provider send us a range of documentation the day before our site visit.

During the inspection

We spoke with five people who used the service. We spoke with nine members of staff during our site visit including the registered manager, the regional manager, deputy manager, care manager, two domestic staff and three care workers. We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We looked at records related to people's care and the management of the service. We viewed care records relating to five people, medication records, three staff recruitment and induction files, training and supervision information, staff rotas and records used to monitor the quality and safety of the service.

After the inspection

We spoke to an additional four care workers over the telephone, including day and night staff. The Expert by Experience spoke with six relatives over the telephone. We continued to review evidence from the inspection.

Updated 13 October 2020

About the service

Handley House is a care home that was providing personal care to 31 people at the time of the inspection. The service accommodates up to 66 older people over three floors, some of whom may be living with dementia. The care home was purpose built and opened in 2019.

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

People were supported by staff who were kind and attentive. Staff were aware of risks to people’s safety and wellbeing and acted to reduce risks whilst still promoting people’s independence and skills. There were enough staff available to meet people’s needs, but the provider was recruiting more night staff for vacant posts. People were supported by staff who had been appropriately vetted before commencing employment.

People received their medicines as prescribed and had access to a range of health professionals and specialists when required. People received a varied, nutritious diet and staff ensured people had enough to drink. People’s weight was monitored to identify any changes or concerns.

Robust measures had been put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic and staff wore personal protective equipment. Safe visiting arrangements were in place and being kept under review in response to local and national guidance. The environment was clean and well-maintained.

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

The provider used an electronic care planning system and staff had access to information about people's needs and preferences. This helped them provide person-centred care. People's privacy and dignity was respected. People had access to a good range of activities and entertainment and there was a pleasant atmosphere in the home.

Systems were in place to check the quality and safety of the service and the provider demonstrated

commitment to continual improvement. Where mistakes, concerns or issues had occurred over the previous year, the provider and registered manager had learned and taken action to improve systems. Staff were motivated and enjoyed their work. There were some mixed views from staff, but the majority felt supported. People and relatives were satisfied with the service and one relative told us they felt “Excellent care” was provided.

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 1 May 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a scheduled inspection based on the service's registration. The inspection was also prompted in part due to concerns received in relation to staffing levels and competence, medicines practices, moving and handling training, supplies in relation to infection control and management. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks. We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from these concerns. Please see the Safe and Well-led sections of this full report.

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 coronavirus 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 reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.