CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Brackley Care Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Requires improvement
- People were protected from known risks, but records did not always show that safety measures had been completed. Recording for as-required medicines needed improvement, and hazardous substances were found in unlocked cupboards before being removed.
- Effective?
- Good
- Staff had suitable training and supported people with food, drink, healthcare appointments and specialist advice. Fluid intake was not always recorded consistently.
- Caring?
- Good
- People and relatives were consistently positive about staff. Staff respected people's choices, privacy, dignity, communication needs and preferences.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's individual needs and were reviewed when needs changed. People were supported with activities, celebrations, communication and contact with relatives.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The manager had improvement plans, audits and systems for gathering views and handling complaints. However, some care records, including oral hygiene and fluid records, were not consistently complete.
What inspectors found, June 2022
Brackley Care Home was rated Good overall, but Safe Requires Improvement because medicine and risk records were not always complete.
This was the first inspection since the service registered. It was unannounced. Inspectors spoke with two people, five relatives and seven staff. They reviewed care records, medicine records, staff recruitment files and management records.
The home was rated Good for Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. People and relatives spoke positively about the staff. Inspectors found personalised care plans, suitable staff training, support with health appointments, activities and family visits.
Safe was rated Requires Improvement. Records for some as-required medicines and risk management were incomplete. Some hazardous cleaning products were left unlocked, although these were removed immediately. The manager put actions in place to address the problems.
Kind and respectful staff
People and relatives were consistently positive about the staff and the support they received. Staff knew people well and respected their choices.
“People and relatives were all consistently positive about the staff and the support they received.” from the report
Personalised care plans
Care plans recorded people's preferences, routines, relationships and history. This helped staff understand their individual needs.
“Care plans contained person centred, detailed information to support staff in understanding the person's individual holistic needs.” from the report
Activities and relationships
People had access to daily activities and were supported to maintain contact with friends and relatives.
“Staff offered activities such as arts and crafts, games, exercises and animal therapy.” from the report
As-required medicine records
seriousThe reasons for giving some as-required medicines and whether they worked were not consistently recorded. The manager audited the records and put action plans in place after the inspection.
“Recording for 'as required' (PRN) medicines required improvement.” from the report
Incomplete risk records
seriousRecords did not always show that planned safety measures had been completed. Examples included repositioning tasks and pressure mattress checks.
“However, records did not consistently evidence these strategies were completed.” from the report
Unlocked hazardous substances
seriousDishwasher tablets and disinfectant spray were found in unlocked cupboards that people could access. The manager removed them immediately.
“Hazardous substances were not always kept in a locked cupboard.” from the report
Care records not always complete
needs fixingRecords had gaps in areas including oral hygiene and fluid intake. The manager agreed to make changes to keep records up to date.
“We found gaps in the records of oral hygiene and fluids.” from the report
Cleaning records
minorShared equipment was not always recorded as cleaned between uses, although inspectors found no concerns about cross-contamination.
“Shared equipment was not always recorded as cleaned between each use.” from the report
- 01How are as-required medicines recorded now, including why they were given and whether they worked?
- 02How do you check that repositioning tasks and pressure mattress settings are completed and recorded on time?
- 03What checks ensure all cleaning products and other hazardous substances remain locked away?
- 04How are fluid and oral hygiene records checked for completeness?
- 05What changes were made after the inspection, and can you show us the improvement plan or audit results?
This was the first inspection of the newly registered service and covered all five key questions, including infection prevention and control under Safe. This explanation was written from the published report of 11 June 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, February 2022
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection control arrangements and no reported shortfalls in the areas checked.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 19 January 2022. Inspectors checked infection prevention and control arrangements and asked about staffing pressures linked to COVID-19.
Inspectors found staff had infection control training and checks of their skills. Staff used protective equipment, uniforms were changed between shifts, and the home was cleaned regularly.
The home had an up-to-date infection control policy, regular audits, testing arrangements and risk assessments. People could self-isolate when needed and had ways to keep in touch with family.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the visit did not produce a full overall quality rating.
Staff infection control
Staff had infection control training and their ability to put on and remove protective equipment was checked. They wore suitable protective equipment and changed uniforms between shifts.
“All staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Uniforms were changed before and after each shift at the service.” from the report
Clean surroundings
Inspectors found the home clean, without unpleasant smells, and laid out to support social distancing. Cleaning had been completed hourly.
“The service was cleaned to a high standard, cleaning of all areas had been completed hourly.” from the report
Oversight and testing
The infection control policy was up to date, audits were carried out, and testing was arranged for people, staff and visitors in line with government guidance.
“The provider's infection control policy was up to date and the registered manager completed regular IPC audits” from the report
Family contact
People could keep in touch with friends and family through several visiting rooms and outdoor areas.
“People were supported to stay in contact with friends and family.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are COVID-19-related staffing pressures affecting people’s care and daily routines?
- 02How often are infection prevention and control audits completed, and what happens when an issue is found?
- 03How are new residents supported to self-isolate when required?
- 04How are testing arrangements managed for residents, staff and visitors?
- 05What visiting arrangements are currently available for families?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, with questions about 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 3 February 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.
Every inspection of Brackley Care Home
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- June 2022Goodcurrent ratingSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2022Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- November 2020
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 16 November 2020.
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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What to check when you visit
At least 100 live-in carers within about an hour of West Northamptonshire
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 £980 to £1,280 a week. 87 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
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“If you bump into her in the night on her way to the bathroom she will still inquire how you are and if everything is alright.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.