Archived: Loxley Hall

Updated 16 May 2017

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.

The inspection took place on 7 of April 2017 and was unannounced. The inspection was carried out by an inspector from the adult social care team.

Prior to the inspection, we looked at all of the information we held about the service in the way of

complaints, compliments and statutory notifications. These are notifications from the service about matters that could affect the running of the service or the care and welfare of people who lived there.

We checked to see if Healthwatch had visited the service. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion commenting on health and care service in each area of the country. No visit had yet been undertaken at Loxley Hall by Healthwatch.

During the inspection we spoke to five people who used the service and two relatives who were visiting at the time. We also spent time observing the interaction between people and staff as well as the activities that were taking place.

We had the opportunity to speak to four members of staff and this included the management team. We reviewed records relating the overall management of the safety and quality of the service, four records relating to staff recruitment and support and training records. Records regarding complaints and compliments were also reviewed.

We contacted the Local Authority Commissioning team. They had visited the service in December 2016 and had identified improvements needed in supervision and training.

Updated 16 May 2017

Loxley Hall is a purpose built care home for people with nursing and residential needs, run by Croftwood Care Limited. It is located in Helsby in Cheshire not far from local amenities. The grounds and gardens are accessible to people who use the service.

At the last inspection in April 2016, the service was rated as Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

The registered provider had systems in place to ensure the safety of the people who used the service. This included arrangements for identifying, reporting and taking action on any allegations of abuse. This was reinforced through training for staff, staff knowledge and reporting processes. People’s safety was further enhanced through assessments for individuals identifying risks they faced from the environment or from risks associated with their own health and social needs. The registered provider ensured that a system for the safe management of medication was in place and that the premises were well maintained and hygienic.

The registered provider took the requirement of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and associated safeguards into account. This meant they were working within the law to support and assist people who may lack capacity to make their own decisions. 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.

People who used the service were supported by a staff team who had received the training and had the knowledge of how to best support them. The nutritional needs of people were met. Consideration was made to the dietary needs of people, their personal preferences and ensuring that those who were at risk of choking could eat safely.

Staff interactions were friendly, caring and supportive. People were supported in a patient and respectful manner. Staff ensured that people were treated as individuals and that their privacy and dignity was taken into account through care practice. People were given information about the care and the support they could be provided with.

Care plans provided staff with the information they need to successfully support people in all aspects of their daily lives. Care plans were reviewed and updated when required. An activities programme was in place with regular activities available to people who used the service. People were complimentary about the activities provided for them.

Information was in place in respect of how people could make a complaint. Complaints records were maintained and concerns responded to in a timely manner.

The registered manager used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of service at Loxley Hall. These included regular audits of the service to gain a view of the quality of the care provided. The registered manager always notified CQC of significant incidents within the service as required.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.