This inspection took place on 18 December 2018 and was unannounced. Winterbrook Nursing Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Winterbrook Nursing Home is registered to accommodate up to 41 people in one adapted building. At the time of our inspection there were 21 people using the service. The service supports older people with a range of conditions and includes supporting people living with dementia.
This was the first inspection since the service had been registered with CQC under the provider, The Manor at Merton Limited. The provider had carried out an extensive refurbishment programme of the premises which had resulted in an improved environment.
There was a registered manager who was new in post. 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.
The registered manager was developing systems to ensure the service was monitored effectively and was aware of most of the issues identified during the inspection.
Lack of communication between management and staff resulted in staff not always feeling supported. Staff were not always aware of the plans for the service. The registered manager recognised that they were not always visible around the service and this was being addressed through changes in staffing structure.
There was a relaxed, happy atmosphere throughout the inspection. People benefited from support by staff who were kind and compassionate. Staff knew people well and treated them with dignity and respect. There was a person-centred culture which ensured people were treated as individuals and their rights were protected.
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.
There were a range of activities available for people to enjoy. People were supported to maintain relationships that were important to them. There was a warm atmosphere, where friends and families were welcomed and encouraged to be involved in people’s lives.
Care plans did not always contain up to date information relating to risks and records relating to pressure relieving equipment did not always contain sufficient information.
Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicines as prescribed.
There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs and staff had time to spend with people. The provider had effective recruitment processes in place that enabled them to make safer recruitment decisions. People were supported by staff who understood how to keep them safe.
Staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs. Staff received regular training and had their competencies assessed.
People enjoyed a range of nutritious food to ensure their dietary needs were met. Where people required a specialist diet this was provided.
There were systems in place to ensure the premises and equipment were maintained and safe to use.