CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Ashgale House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, March 2022
Ashgale House was inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection control and visiting arrangements.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 24 February 2022. It focused on infection prevention and control, visiting arrangements, and whether COVID-19 staffing pressures affected the service.
Inspectors found an up-to-date infection control policy, trained staff, enough protective equipment, regular cleaning, and checks on infection control practice. They were assured that the home was managing infection risks and following visiting guidance.
The home was not given an overall rating or a Safe rating. This report does not assess the other areas normally covered by a full CQC inspection.
Infection control policy
The home had a current infection control policy. Staff had received relevant training, and management checked their practice and addressed shortfalls.
“The home had an up to date infection prevention and control policy.” from the report
Clean environment
Inspectors found the home very clean, with high-touch surfaces cleaned every two hours and monthly infection control checks.
“The home was very clean. Staff completed two hourly cleaning of high touch surfaces including light switches to minimise the spread of infection.” from the report
Protective equipment
The home had a suitable supply of masks, gloves and aprons. Staff were observed using protective equipment effectively.
“We observed staff used PPE effectively to safeguard the people living in the home, staff and visitors.” from the report
Family visits
The home followed government visiting guidance and supported personalised visits, as well as contact by telephone and video calls.
“The provider followed current government visiting guidance. Management recognised the importance to people's well-being of having visits from friends and relatives.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What measures are currently in place if COVID-19 or other illness causes staffing pressures?
- 02How often are high-touch surfaces cleaned now, and how are infection control checks recorded?
- 03How are visitors currently tested, and what protective measures are expected during visits?
- 04How are personalised infection risk assessments reviewed for people who may be at higher risk?
- 05How does the home make sure staff remain up to date with infection prevention and control guidance?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, visiting arrangements and COVID-19-related staffing pressures; it was not a full inspection and the service was not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 March 2022 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, September 2020
Rated Good overall; inspectors found improved medicines management, safety checks and leadership, although some records could be more personalised.
This was a focused inspection on 8 September 2020. The inspector checked whether the home had acted on an earlier improvement plan, mainly covering Safe and Well-led. Infection control during the Covid-19 pandemic was also reviewed.
Inspectors found improvements since the previous inspection. Medicines were stored and checked more safely. Records about people's spending were better organised. Quality checks were more effective, and risks, safeguarding and infection control were managed.
People, relatives and staff said people were safe, well supported and treated respectfully. The home was rated Good overall, with Safe and Well-led both rated Good. The other three areas were not inspected during this visit, so their previous ratings were used for the overall rating.
Safer medicines
Personalised instructions were in place for medicines given when needed. Medicines were stored securely, and regular audits led to further action where needed.
“During this inspection we found that comprehensive medicines audits and weekly medicines checks had been carried out.” from the report
Infection control
Inspectors found the home clean, with enhanced cleaning and suitable arrangements for visitors and staff during the pandemic.
“The home was clean. All staff had access to the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) they needed to safeguard themselves, other staff and people living in the home.” from the report
Improved oversight
Quality checks were more effective, and records were more complete and easier to read. Managers had taken action when checks found problems.
“Quality monitoring checks of the service were more effective.” from the report
Communication with families
Relatives said communication was good and that people were well cared for. Video and telephone calls helped people stay in touch during the pandemic.
“People's relatives told us that communication with the staff was good and they felt people were well cared for.” from the report
Care records could be more personal
needs fixingSome electronic records did not show enough about people's involvement in their day-to-day care. The manager said this would be monitored more closely.
“We found that some of these records could be more personalised and better demonstrate people's involvement in their day to day care.” from the report
Incident analysis still developing
minorThe manager had started looking for patterns in incidents, but said the systems for analysing incidents, accidents and complaints still needed further development.
“The registered manager told us that she would continue to develop the systems for analysing incidents, accidents and complaints.” from the report
Reduced activities during the pandemic
minorSome routines and activities outside the home had been reduced or stopped because of Covid-19. This was part of the circumstances at the time of inspection.
“some people's routines and activities that had taken place outside the home had been reduced or stopped due to the Covid19 pandemic.” from the report
- 01How are medicines given when needed checked now, and how often are medicines audits completed?
- 02How do you make sure care records show the person's choices and involvement in their daily care?
- 03What has changed in the way incidents, accidents and complaints are analysed?
- 04What activities and routines outside the home are currently available?
- 05How are visitors supported, and what infection control arrangements are currently in place?
This was a focused inspection of Safe and Well-led, including infection control; the other three key question ratings were carried forward from the previous comprehensive inspection. This explanation was written from the published report of 26 September 2020 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Ashgale House
5 rated inspections over 5 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- March 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- September 2020Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Good
- March 2020Requires improvementdown from GoodSafe: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- November 2017Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- May 2017Requires improvementdown from GoodSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- December 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 22 November 2010.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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