CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Birnbeck House - Care Home Learning Disabilities
Not yet rated: the CQC has not published a rated inspection for this home, which is usual for a new registration.
What inspectors found, November 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection control after a coronavirus outbreak had cleared.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 4 November 2020. It was carried out because the home had experienced a coronavirus outbreak. The inspection focused on infection prevention and control.
The outbreak had cleared by the visit, and everyone had tested negative. Inspectors were assured that the home was using personal protective equipment properly, carrying out testing, cleaning well and managing infection risks.
Visitors had been stopped during the outbreak. Staff supported contact with relatives through phone and video calls. After the outbreak, visitors had their temperatures checked and were asked to wash their hands, wear masks and keep apart.
The home was inspected but not rated. The Safe rating was not reviewed because inspectors only looked at part of that area. This report does not give ratings for the other key questions.
PPE and staff practice
Staff had infection control training and inspectors saw them wearing suitable PPE and changing it when moving between rooms.
“We saw staff throughout the day wearing appropriate PPE and refreshing their PPE when moving from room to room.” from the report
Testing and outbreak management
The manager had an action plan, kept in contact with public health and the local commissioning team, and had confirmation that everyone had tested negative.
“The registered manager had regular contact with Public Health England and the local commissioning team to monitor the outbreak.” from the report
Contact with relatives
During the visitor restriction, staff helped people keep in touch with relatives through phone and video calls.
“staff told us they worked with relatives and people living in the home to make sure people had contact with their loved ones through use of technology, this included phone and video calls.” from the report
Cleaning and hygiene
The home used extra cleaning, handwashing and support to reduce the risk of infection. Inspectors found the environment clean and well maintained.
“Staff we spoke with were confident and knowledgeable about how to protect people from the risk of infection and the environment was clean and well maintained.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What infection control and testing arrangements are in place now?
- 02What are the current rules for visits, and how will contact with relatives be supported if visits need to stop?
- 03How are shared areas and surfaces cleaned, particularly when people need one-to-one support around the home?
- 04What was the home's most recent full CQC rating, and have any later inspections taken place?
- 05How does the home support people who cannot self-isolate or understand social distancing?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during a coronavirus outbreak; only part of Safe was checked and the other key questions were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 20 November 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.
What inspectors found, September 2019
Birnbeck House was rated Good; inspectors found caring, safe support, with a few records and planning issues to monitor.
This was a planned inspection on 29 and 30 July 2019. The first day was unannounced and the second was announced. Inspectors spoke with people and staff, reviewed care records and staff files, and checked accidents, complaints, training and other management records. They also gathered views from relatives and health and social care professionals.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found caring staff, person-centred support, safe medicines, good activities and a clean environment. People were supported to make choices, stay independent and access healthcare.
Inspectors identified some areas needing attention. Repositioning records did not clearly show the support given, and fluid records did not set clear target levels or when further action was needed. The home is larger than current best practice guidance for this type of service, although inspectors said the design and setting reduced the effect of its size.
Consistent staff team
Staffing levels were flexible and considered safe. A stable team knew people well and supported them consistently.
“There was a consistent staff team in place which ensured staff knew people well.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff built positive relationships and supported people in a dignified, person-centred way. People's independence and choices were encouraged.
“Staff were passionate and enthusiastic about delivering good quality care in a person-centred way.” from the report
Activities and community life
People were offered activities linked to their interests, including outings, volunteering, social clubs and events. Staffing levels supported time in the community.
“People were supported in activities of their choice and which were of personal interest to them.” from the report
Positive management culture
Inspectors found approachable management, good communication and staff who felt able to raise issues. Feedback from relatives was positive.
“There was a positive staff culture. Staff enjoyed their roles and were enthusiastic about the service they provided.” from the report
Repositioning records
needs fixingRecords for one person did not show clearly what support had been given to meet the care plan. The deputy manager acted on this during the inspection and afterwards with staff.
“the records did not show the support given to achieve the aims of the care plan in this area.” from the report
Fluid intake guidance
needs fixingFluid intake was reviewed daily, but records did not clearly state the target amount or when staff should take further action.
“there was no clear guidance as to what the target level was and when further action may be required.” from the report
Larger than current guidance
minorThe home was larger than current best practice guidance for this type of service. Inspectors said the building design and its setting reduced the negative impact on people.
“This is larger than current best practice guidance.” from the report
End of life planning
minorSome people's end of life wishes were recorded, but the report says this area could be developed further for others who wanted this.
“A senior staff member acknowledged this area could be developed further for those others who wished to.” from the report
- 01What changes were made to repositioning records after the inspection?
- 02How do you now record fluid targets and when staff must take further action?
- 03How will the home's size affect my relative's privacy, independence and access to the community?
- 04How will you record and review my relative's end of life wishes if they want this?
- 05How are activities chosen to match each person's interests and communication needs?
This was a planned inspection covering the premises, care and all five CQC questions, with an unannounced first day and an announced second day. This explanation was written from the published report of 18 September 2019 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 Birnbeck House - Care Home Learning Disabilities
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- November 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
Read what inspectors found at Birnbeck House - Care Home Learning Disabilities →
- September 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
Read what inspectors found at Birnbeck House - Care Home Learning Disabilities →
- February 2017GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Good
- November 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- March 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- May 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 12 January 2011.
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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23 live-in carers within about an hour of North Somerset
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,050 to £1,320 a week. 19 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
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