CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Brantwood Hall Care Home
Rated Inadequate: inspectors found the home performing badly and the CQC has taken enforcement action.
What inspectors found, December 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control arrangements were safe.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 25 November 2020. It was carried out because of coronavirus outbreaks and looked only at infection prevention and control.
Inspectors found extra cleaning, including cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. They were assured that the home used protective equipment safely, supported testing, followed social distancing and shielding rules, and had an up-to-date infection control policy.
The home was creating a separate area for visits when inspectors visited. Staff understood coronavirus symptoms and the action needed to protect people. This inspection did not give an overall quality rating.
Cleaning
The home was clean and tidy, with extra deep cleaning and more frequent cleaning of high-touch areas.
“Additional deep cleaning was taking place, including an increase in cleaning of high touch points.” from the report
Staff understanding
Staff knew how to recognise coronavirus symptoms and what action to take to keep people safe.
“Staff were knowledgeable about spotting signs and symptoms of contracting coronavirus and where aware of what action they should take to keep people safe.” from the report
Testing
Staff took part in weekly testing, and the report says they were compensated for their time.
“Staff took part in weekly testing and were compensted for their time.” from the report
Infection control
Inspectors were assured that the home used protective equipment safely, followed social distancing and shielding rules, and could manage outbreaks.
“We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01Has the designated visiting area now been completed, and how are visits arranged?
- 02How often are high-touch areas and other frequently used areas cleaned now?
- 03How are people and staff tested, and what happens if someone has symptoms or a positive result?
- 04What protective equipment is used by staff and visitors, and how is it checked?
- 05What arrangements are in place if there is an infection outbreak?
This was an announced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control practices only; it was inspected but not rated and did not assess the other four key questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 9 December 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, August 2018
Rated Good; inspectors found significant and sustained improvement, with some pressure at busy times and a medication timing issue.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 9 July 2018. Inspectors spoke with people living in the home, staff and a visiting health professional. They also checked care records, medicines, staffing, training, complaints and quality checks.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. People were described as safe and comfortable. Staff managed risks carefully, treated people with respect and supported their choices.
The home had improved significantly since the previous inspection in April 2017, when it was rated Requires Improvement and had three breaches. Inspectors found that the improvements had been sustained. They did note pressure at some busy times, delays serving lunch and that lunchtime medicines should be reviewed.
Managing risks
The home used detailed, individual risk assessments and reviewed accidents and incidents. Inspectors saw evidence that falls had reduced to very low levels.
“This had reduced the number of falls to very low levels.” from the report
Kind and respectful staff
Staff were attentive, patient and sensitive. Inspectors saw people’s dignity and personal choices being respected.
“Staff displayed thoughtfulness and sensitivity in their support of people, showing discretion and empathy where needed.” from the report
Person-centred care
Care records gave staff clear information about how to support each person. People were involved in reviews and decisions about their care.
“Care records were person-centred and ensured staff had clear direction to follow to meet these needs in people’s preferred manner.” from the report
Improved leadership
Inspectors found that leadership and quality monitoring had improved substantially since the previous inspection. Staff felt supported and involved.
“During this inspection we found evidence of significant and sustained improvement resulting in better care for people living at Brantwood Hall.” from the report
Busy staffing periods
needs fixingStaff described some times of day as pressured. Inspectors found that needs were met, but short-notice sickness had recently affected staffing cover.
“Staff told us they would benefit from extra colleagues as there were times of the day when it became pressured.” from the report
Timing of medicines
needs fixingMedicines were administered and recorded safely, but some lunchtime medicines were offered while people were eating. Inspectors recommended that the timing should be reconsidered.
“However, we recommend the registered manager re-considers the timing of the medication round as people were being offered medication during their meal which was not always appropriate, depending on what it was for.” from the report
Lunch service delays
minorThe lunchtime meal was described as a little chaotic. Some people waited for food while staff were helping others with personal care.
“The lunchtime meal was a bit chaotic as some people were waiting a while for food as staff were supporting people with personal care which meant they were unable to serve meals promptly.” from the report
- 01How do you make sure there are enough staff during the busiest parts of the day?
- 02What have you changed about the timing of lunchtime medicines since this inspection?
- 03How do you prevent people waiting for lunch when staff are helping with personal care?
- 04How are falls and other accidents reviewed, and how are families involved in decisions about reducing risks?
- 05How do you check that the improvements made since the April 2017 inspection are being maintained?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five key questions and the overall service rating; the report compares the findings with the previous inspection in April 2017. This explanation was written from the published report of 15 August 2018 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 Brantwood Hall Care Home
2 rated inspections over a year: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- December 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- August 2018Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- July 2017Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- May 2016
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 27 May 2016.
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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