CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Bruntsfield House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured that infection risks were being managed, including visitors, admissions, personal protective equipment, social distancing, layout and hygiene.
- Effective?
- Good
- This question was not covered by this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- This question was not covered by this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This question was not covered by this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This question was not covered by this targeted inspection, although inspectors described monitoring and contingency planning for infection control.
What inspectors found, September 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good Covid-19 infection control measures, with resources signposted to develop the approach.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 19 August 2020. It looked only at infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inspectors found enough personal protective equipment, appropriate use of it, separate areas for changing, and detailed risk assessments. People were involved in discussions about Covid-19 and were supported to meet families safely outdoors.
The overall service was inspected but not rated. The Safe question was also inspected but not rated. Inspectors said they were assured about the main infection control arrangements, but signposted the provider to resources to develop its approach.
Covid-19 leadership
The management team worked alongside staff to manage the pandemic. There had been no Covid-19 outbreak at the service at the time of the inspection.
“The management team led by example and worked as part of the team to combat Covid 19.” from the report
Personal protective equipment
There was enough personal protective equipment, and staff used it appropriately. Separate changing space helped reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
“There was enough PPE for staff to use and this was worn appropriately.” from the report
People involved
People were included in discussions about Covid-19 and had information in easy-read formats and pictures. One person helped train staff in hand washing.
“People were fully involved in discussions about Covid 19.” from the report
Family contact
People were supported to meet their families outdoors while observing social distancing.
“People were supported to see their families outside of the service in open spaces to reduce the risk of infection.” from the report
Risk planning
Detailed risk assessments considered people’s individual characteristics and circumstances. The service also had policies, contingency plans and monitoring arrangements.
“Detailed risk assessments had been carried out for people who used the service and staff.” from the report
Further development identified
minorInspectors signposted the provider to resources to develop its infection control approach. The report does not say what specific changes were needed.
“We have also signposted the provider to resources to develop their approach.” from the report
- 01What infection control changes have been made since the inspection on 19 August 2020?
- 02How is personal protective equipment provided and used now?
- 03How are family visits managed if infection risks or restrictions change?
- 04What resources did inspectors suggest the service use to develop its infection control approach?
- 05What are the current ratings or inspection findings for caring, effective, responsive and well-led care?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; the service was inspected but not rated and the other care questions were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 5 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.
What inspectors found, August 2018
Bruntsfield House rated Good; inspectors found safe, caring and well-managed support across its residential and personal care services.
Inspectors visited on 11 and 12 July 2018 without notice. They observed care, spoke with people, staff, relatives and healthcare professionals, and checked care plans, medicines, recruitment, complaints and quality records.
The home provided residential care for six people and personal care for ten people living in supported living flats. Inspectors found that people felt safe, staff were suitably trained, medicines were managed safely and care plans reflected people's needs and choices.
People described staff as caring and respectful. They were supported to maintain relationships, use local services, follow hobbies and make decisions about daily life. Complaints could be made in different formats and were recorded and reviewed.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. This was the same overall rating as at the previous inspection on 27 January 2016.
People felt safe
People told inspectors that they felt safe. The home had safeguarding procedures, risk assessments and emergency plans.
“People told us that they felt safe using the service.” from the report
Safe medicines support
Staff were trained and checked as competent before giving medicines. Inspectors observed medicines being given safely and found regular checks of medicines and records.
“We observed staff administered medication safely and carefully in the service.” from the report
Kind and respectful staff
People described warm relationships with staff. Inspectors found that staff listened, protected privacy and supported people's dignity.
“Staff were respectful of people. For example, when having a discussion, staff offered people a private area to talk, gave people time to respond and listened to what they had to say.” from the report
Choice and independence
People were supported to make everyday choices and pursue their own interests. This included choosing meals, activities, shopping, holidays and community opportunities.
“People told us that staff encouraged them to make their own decisions.” from the report
Quality monitoring
The provider used audits, questionnaires and an improvement plan to monitor the service. Feedback and complaints were recorded, with responses and actions tracked.
“There were systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of service.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are my relative's medicines checked, and how is staff competency in administering them kept up to date?
- 02How will my relative be involved in assessing and reviewing their care plan if their needs change?
- 03Which staff would support my relative during sickness or planned staff holidays, and how would continuity of care be maintained?
- 04What hobbies, activities, college, work or community opportunities could my relative take part in?
- 05What accessible formats are available for care information and complaints, and who would help my relative raise a concern?
This was an unannounced inspection of the residential care and personal care support services at the location; CQC did not inspect the premises used as extra care housing. This explanation was written from the published report of 11 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 Bruntsfield House
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- September 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- August 2018Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- September 2014
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 17 September 2014.
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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35 live-in carers within about an hour of Essex
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 £1,020 to £1,260 a week. 25 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Not only was she professional, polite and efficient but she bought a lovely smile and laughter to my parents home.”
“She brought fun and stimulation into mums life.”
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.