High View Care Services Limited

Updated 28 August 2020

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.

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

This inspection took place on 14 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 28 August 2020

This unannounced inspection of High View Care Services Limited took place on 20 September 2018. High View Care Services is a ‘care home’ for adults with brain injuries, mental health and substance misuse needs. 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. The service accommodates 12 people in one adapted building and there were 12 people using the service when we visited.

The last inspection of the service took place on 19 and 21 July 2017 where we rated the service requires improvement as there was a breach of regulation relating to the management of medicines. We also found that the quality assurance systems in place were not effective. Following the inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key questions safe, effective, caring and well-led to at least good. The provider sent us an action plan on how they would improve.

At this inspection, we found that the service had made the required improvements and complied with our regulations. We have rated the service good.

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

Medicines were managed and administered in a safe way. Medicine administration records were completed fully by staff. Regular audits took place to identify any gaps or errors and these were addressed.

Risk assessments were completed and management plans put in place to reduce the likelihood of harm to people. Incidents and accidents were reviewed and lessons were learned from them. The environment was safe; and health and safety checks were carried out periodically. Staff followed infection control procedures. There were suitable facilities available for people to use.

Staff were trained in safeguarding people from abuse and demonstrated that they understood the signs of abuse and how to report any concerns in line with the provider’s procedures. There were enough staff to support to people with their care and support needs in a timely manner. Staff employed at the service had undergone thorough checks to ensure they were fit to work with people. Staff were trained, supervised and supported to be effective in their roles.

People’s needs were assessed in line with best practice guidelines. People were supported with their nutritional needs. People had access to a range of health and social care professionals to maintain their health and well-being. The service ensured people’s care and support was coordinated effectively.

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. Staff understood their responsibility under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Staff treated people with consideration and respected their dignity. People were supported to learn new skills and to maintain their independence. Staff supported people to express their views and people were involved in planning their care and support. Care records included people’s end of life wishes.

People received care and support tailored to meet their individual needs. Staff understood people’s needs and how to support them. People were encouraged to participate in activities they enjoyed. People were supported to maintain relationships they choose to. Staff supported people to maintain their religious and cultural requirements. Regular reviews took place to ensure support delivered to people continued to meet their needs.

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy with the service. The provider investigated complaints in line with their procedure. The provider made information accessible to people in various formats.

People and staff told us that the culture of the service was open and transparent. Staff received the support, direction and leadership they needed. People and their relatives were regularly asked for their feedback on the service. The provider monitored the quality of the service through audits and checks. The service worked in partnership with other organisations.

The service complied with the requirements of the registration. They notified us of significant incidents as required.