Derriford House

Updated 10 May 2023

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

This was a targeted inspection to check on a concern we had about staffing, equipment and management.

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 an inspector.

Service and service type

Derriford House is a ‘care home.’ People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Derriford House is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 4 people and 1 relative about the care provided. We spoke with 7 staff including, 3 care staff, the registered manager and 3 other staff. We spoke with a visiting health care professional who provided positive feedback about the service. We also made observations of the environment and equipment. We made observations of staff’s interactions with people in communal areas of the home. We reviewed records relating to people’s care and the provision of the service. We reviewed 3 people’s care records.

Updated 10 May 2023

About the service

Derriford House is a residential care home providing personal care to 30 people at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 34 older people who may be living with the early stages of dementia.

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

People received care and support that was safe. The provider had improved how they managed people’s medicines in response to recommendations we made in our last report. The provider protected people from risks, including the risk of abuse or avoidable harm, and risks associated with the building and equipment used. There were effective recruitment processes in place to make sure staff employed were suitable to work with people in their homes. The provider actively promoted safety in the home, including processes to control the risk of infection.

People received care and support that was effective and based on thorough, detailed assessments and computer-based care plans. Staff received training and support to deliver effective care according to people’s needs and preferences. The provider worked with other agencies to deliver consistent and effective care. 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.

There were caring and kind relationships between people and their care workers and other staff. These were based on compassion and understanding of people’s needs. The provider worked to respect and promote people’s privacy, dignity and independence, and encouraged people to be involved in their care.

People received care and support which met their needs and reflected their preferences. The provider followed best practice guidance with respect to meeting people’s communication needs. People had access to a range of relevant and meaningful activities.

The service was well led. There was focus on meeting people’s individual needs in a comfortable, home-like environment. The provider worked in cooperation with others and worked to continuously improve the service people received. This was supported by effective management, governance and quality systems.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 31 March 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

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.