Innova House -CBIR

Updated 1 February 2019

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This was a comprehensive inspection. The inspection took place on 8 January 2019 and was unannounced.

The inspection team consisted of one inspector. Prior to this inspection, we reviewed information that we held about the service, such as notifications. These are events that happen in the service that the provider is required to tell us about. We considered the last inspection report and information that had been sent to us by other agencies. We also contacted commissioners who had a contract with the service.

During the inspection, we spoke with four people who used the service and a relative, to obtain their views about the service they received. We spoke with the registered manager, three care staff and the cook.

We observed staff providing support to people in the communal areas of the service. This was so we could understand people's experiences. By observing the care received, we could determine whether or not they were comfortable with the support they were provided with.

We reviewed a range of records about people's care and how the service was managed. This included looking at two people's care records and associated documents. We reviewed records of meetings, staff rotas and staff training records. We also reviewed the quality assurance audits the management team had completed.

Updated 1 February 2019

Innova House-CBIR is a ‘care home’. 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.

Innova House-CBIR provides care for up to 15 people with complex needs as a result of brain injury. However, at the time of the inspection, three bedrooms were out of use, reducing the capacity to 12 people. The premises are accessible to wheelchair users and the majority of people who use the service have mobility needs. On the day of the inspection, nine people were using the service.

At our last inspection in August 2016, we rated the service good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The service remained safe. We found systems and processes were in place to keep people safe. Staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding people they cared for. They completed detailed risk assessments to identify risks to each person’s health and safety. Measures were in place to reduce risks and people were supported to stay safe, whilst not unnecessarily restricting their freedom. Staff reported incidents and accidents and the registered manager reviewed and analysed these, to identify factors and implement measures that could reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.

Staffing levels were planned to enable people’s needs to be met promptly and staff were deployed effectively. Staff were recruited safely and received a comprehensive induction. Medicines were managed effectively and safely. The premises and environment were well maintained and the required safety checks were completed. Infection prevention and control was effectively managed.

Staff received appropriate training for their role and they were supported to further develop their knowledge and skills. Care plans contained detailed information about each person’s individual support needs and preferences in relation to their care and we found evidence of good outcomes for people. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. When people were unable to make decisions about their care and support, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) were followed.

Although most people were unable to fully express themselves verbally, they clearly enjoyed living at the home and appeared to be relaxed and happy. Staff had developed caring relationships with people and treated them with kindness and respect. They provided reassurance and emotional support and encouraged people’s independence.

People continued to receive a service that was responsive to their individual needs and preferences. Staff had a detailed knowledge of the people they cared for and engaged with them effectively to identify their wishes. Some people had complex needs and staff involved other professionals, to ensure they gained a full understanding of the factors influencing each person and further developed an individualised approach to their care. People had access to a wide range of activities based on their personal choices. Staff had developed an individual progression plan for each person to enrich their lives and promote their independence. People were treated equally, without discrimination and information was presented to them in a way they could understand.

Staff benefited from clear leadership and the registered manager led by example. There was a positive culture that was person centred, open and empowering, which achieved good outcomes for people and improved their well-being. Quality audits and governance processes were in place to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of the service provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below