9 February 2016
During a routine inspection
The Cedars is a 30 bedded short term rehabilitation service. A range of services is offered, including support after surgery for fractures and support to increase independence and confidence in daily living skills. The aim is to help people with a safe return to their home. There were 29 people receiving rehabilitation and support at the service on the day of the inspection.
There was a registered manager in place. 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.
Although the service was clean and tidy, overall, we found the premises generally in need of an update. The décor was dated and there was limited specialist signage in place to support people who may have had issues with their memory or those who may be living with dementia.
People told us they felt safe and well cared for and staff were able to demonstrate they had sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively and to ensure people who used the service were safe.
Accidents and incidents were recorded and monitored and risks had been assessed. Actions had been completed to reduce the likelihood of risks occurring.
People were cared for by staff that demonstrated knowledge of the different types of potential abuse to people and how to respond to actual or suspected abuse.
Medicines were safely managed and people received them as they were required. Temperature checks were required to ensure that medicines were suitably stored.
People told us their needs were met promptly and staff confirmed sufficient staff numbers enabled them to meet people’s needs and perform their roles effectively.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operations of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) including the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and to report on what we find. MCA is a law that protects and supports people who do not have the ability to make their own decisions and to ensure decisions are made in their ‘best interests’. It also ensures unlawful restrictions are not placed on people in care homes and hospitals. We found the provider was complying with their legal requirements.
People were positive was about the food they received. People accessed other healthcare professionals such as GP’s, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to aid their rehabilitation.
People using the service were positive in their feedback about the service. People were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment and said their privacy and dignity was maintained. We made observations which supported this.
People received care which met their individual needs. They were encouraged to express their views and give feedback about their time at the service. People said staff listened to them and they felt confident they could raise any issues should the need arise.
Staff spoke highly of the management team and felt supported. Staff and external health professionals told us the culture of the service was positive and spoke well of the teamwork within the service. The quality of service provision and care was continually monitored and actions taken where required.