Fairwinds

Updated 30 June 2021

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.

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

This inspection took place on 4 June 2021 and was announced.

Updated 30 June 2021

About the service

Fairwinds is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 23 people living with mental health problems, at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 24 people.

The service has two, 10 bedded units which are known as Darwin and Partridge Units. Both units provide personal and nursing care. The service also has two houses which support four people in becoming more independent. These are known as ‘OneCare.’

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

People received exceptionally good support which assisted them to build confidence to develop independent living skills. Staff were committed in ensuring people lived as full a life as possible and went the extra mile to achieve this. Staff had an excellent understanding of people's culturally diverse needs and understood values and beliefs that may influence their decisions on how they wished to receive care and support.

We observed staff interacting with people and found they were supportive, friendly and caring. The atmosphere throughout the home was exceptionally positive. Staff were exemplary at helping people achieve positive outcomes, building confidence and independence to better manage their mental health.

Staff were extremely dedicated in ensuring people consistently received a high standard of care in line with their needs and preferred choices. People we spoke with were complimentary about the staff and told us their privacy and dignity were maintained.

A range of activities and social stimulation was provided by a team of activity co-ordinators. Activities were innovative and met people’s needs. The provider had a complaints procedure which was available and accessible. The service had received no complaints but dealt with everyday issues as they arose. The service responded appropriately when people were in receipt of end of life care

People were safeguarded from the risks of abuse. Risks associated with people's care and support were managed effectively to ensure people were safe. Medicines were administered as prescribed and stored safely. There was enough staff available to ensure people's needs were met and their preferences adhered to. Lessons were learned when things went wrong. We completed a tour of the service with the acting manager and found it was clean and well maintained. Staff wore PPE to minimise the spread of infection.

People's needs were assessed, and care and support provided to meet their needs. Staff training was provided, and staff confirmed they received supervision sessions and annual appraisals. Staff felt supported by the management team. We spoke with the cook regarding people's dietary needs and found they were knowledgeable about people's preferences. Food served looked appetising and people told us they enjoyed meals at the home. Healthcare professionals were involved in people's care when required.

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.

The provider had a system in place to ensure the service was managed effectively. People who used the service, their relatives and staff were encouraged to feedback their opinions about the home and were part of the service development.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 26 June 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.