CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Frenchay House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, July 2023
Frenchay House is rated Good; inspectors found people were safe and well supported, but found gaps in medicines records.
This was an unannounced inspection on 25 April 2023. Two inspectors and an Expert by Experience spoke with people, relatives, staff and professionals. They also reviewed care records, medicines records, recruitment files and management checks.
The home was rated Good for Safe and Well-led. People and relatives said they felt safe. Inspectors found suitable risk assessments, enough staff to meet people's needs, safe recruitment, infection control measures and staff who understood safeguarding.
There were some gaps in medicines recording. The latest medicines audit had not found all the problems, although these were identified in a later audit and action was taken. Staff were trained and assessed as competent to give medicines.
This was a focused inspection of Safe and Well-led. The overall Good rating remained unchanged from the previous rating published in 2017. The other key questions were not inspected during this visit, and their previous ratings were used in calculating the overall rating.
People felt safe
People and relatives told inspectors they felt safe. Staff understood how to report abuse or avoidable harm.
“People we spoke with, and their relatives all told us they felt safe living at Frenchay House.” from the report
Risk management
Risks were assessed before admission, reviewed regularly and explained in care records. Staff knew people's individual needs and how to respond to changes.
“Risk assessments were up to date and provided guidance to staff to ensure they were able to meet people's needs safely.” from the report
Supportive leadership
Inspectors found experienced managers who were visible and approachable. Staff described a supportive workplace and were encouraged to develop their skills.
“The management team were experienced and played an active role in the service. Staff told us managers were visible and approachable.” from the report
Respect and choice
Staff asked for consent, treated people with dignity and supported day-to-day choices about activities, food, drink and where people went.
“We saw staff asking people for their consent and treating people with respect and dignity.” from the report
Medicines records
needs fixingSome medicines records, including running stock balances, were not always completed. The latest audit had not identified all the shortfalls, although a later audit did and actions were taken.
“We highlighted some gaps in medicines recording to the provider. Additional information and assurances were given after the inspection.” from the report
Staff felt busy
minorInspectors found there were enough staff to meet people's needs, but some people and relatives said staff seemed busy or stretched.
“Comments from relatives included, "The staff do so much. I don't know how they do it. They're stretched to the limit".” from the report
- 01What specific medicines recording gaps were found, and what has been changed since the inspection?
- 02How often are medicines audits now carried out, and how does the home check that running stock balances are complete?
- 03How do you make sure there are enough staff at busy times when people or relatives feel staff are stretched?
- 04What were the ratings for Effective, Caring and Responsive at the previous comprehensive inspection?
- 05What progress has been made on the action plan requested after this inspection?
This was a focused inspection of Safe and Well-led only; the other three key questions were not inspected and their previous ratings were used to calculate the overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 4 July 2023 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 2017
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and person-centred care, with some follow-up needed on management cover and liberty safeguard records.
This was an unannounced inspection on 28 June 2017. The inspector spoke with 11 people, three relatives, eight staff and five health and social care professionals. They also checked care records, staff files, training, medicines, rotas, policies and quality checks.
Inspectors found enough staff, good risk assessments, safe medicines management and suitable checks on staff and the building. People were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Care plans reflected people's needs, activities were available, and complaints had been dealt with appropriately.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. The home had previously breached Regulation 12 because some risks had not been fully assessed. Inspectors found the provider had acted on this, and there were no breaches at this inspection.
Improved safety planning
The home had addressed the earlier problem with incomplete risk assessments. Inspectors found clear guidance for staff on risks such as falls, choking, poor nutrition and pressure wounds.
“Risks were assessed and plans put in place to keep people safe.” from the report
Safe medicines
Medicines were stored, administered and recorded safely. Staff were trained and assessed as competent.
“Medicines were well managed and people received their medicines as prescribed.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff knew people's preferences and supported privacy, dignity, family contact and personal choices.
“People were treated with dignity and respect. Staff knocked on people's doors and either waited to be invited in, or if the person was not able to answer, paused for a few moments before entering.” from the report
Person-centred support
Care plans included people's life histories, interests and preferences. Activities were based on what people enjoyed, and suggestions from residents led to changes.
“People received a service that was caring. They were cared for and supported by staff who knew them well.” from the report
Quality monitoring
The provider carried out regular checks on medicines, equipment, care records and health and safety. Inspectors saw that identified remedial actions had been completed.
“Comprehensive systems were in place to check on the standards within the service.” from the report
Follow-up of liberty safeguard applications
minorSome applications for legal authorisation of restrictions on people's freedom were still awaiting an outcome. Inspectors advised the manager to keep a clear record of follow-up.
“We advised the registered manager to keep a clear record when they 'chased up' these applications.” from the report
Management cover during leave
minorProfessionals had questioned whether management cover was sufficient when both the registered and deputy managers were away. The home had arranged senior carer and head office support, but this is worth checking.
“Feedback from professionals questioned whether management cover was always sufficient to respond to untoward events.” from the report
- 01How do you now track and follow up applications where a person may be deprived of their liberty?
- 02What senior management cover is available when both the registered manager and deputy manager are away?
- 03How are individual risk assessments reviewed when a person's health or care needs change?
- 04How are people's suggestions about activities, food and care recorded and acted on?
- 05How do you check that medicines, care records and health and safety actions remain up to date?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five questions, with Safe improving to Good after the previous Regulation 12 breach and the other ratings remaining Good. This explanation was written from the published report of 2 August 2017 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 Frenchay House
3 rated inspections over 8 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- July 2023Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- August 2017Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodWell-led: Good
- November 2015GoodSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- October 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 7 February 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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39 live-in carers within about an hour of South Gloucestershire
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 £1,280 a week. 32 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
“She was very caring, kind and patient to all his needs, she built up a wondetful rapport with him, she was dedicated and was there for him through good times as well as through the tough times”
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.