CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Halstead Hall Care Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors found that risks, medicines, staffing, safeguarding and cleanliness were generally managed safely. They noted that records of some equipment spot checks did not say which equipment had been checked or what action was taken.
- Effective?
- Good
- Staff received induction, training and competency checks. People had access to health professionals, received nutritious food and were supported in line with mental capacity requirements.
- Caring?
- Good
- People described staff as kind and caring. Inspectors saw respect for privacy, dignity, choice and independence.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's preferences and were reviewed. The home provided regular and spontaneous activities, supported relationships and had systems for handling complaints.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- Inspectors found outstanding leadership and a strong culture of personalised care. People, relatives and staff were involved in shaping the home, and quality monitoring was embedded.
What inspectors found, December 2018
Rated Good overall, with Outstanding leadership; inspectors found major improvements and kind, personalised care.
This was the first comprehensive inspection since the new owners took over about a year earlier. It was unannounced and checked whether earlier problems had been put right. Inspectors spoke with people, relatives, staff and a health professional. They observed care and meals, looked around the home, and checked care, medicines, recruitment, complaints and management records.
The home was rated Good for Safe, Effective, Caring and Responsive. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines management, trained staff, good food, suitable health support and care plans based on people's individual needs. People were treated with kindness and respect, supported to remain independent, and offered activities and links with the local community.
Well-led was rated Outstanding. Inspectors found strong leadership, high staff morale, good involvement of people and relatives, and effective systems for checking and improving quality. Some smaller issues remained, including incomplete recording of equipment spot checks, bathrooms with scale and some toilet seats needing replacement.
Strong leadership
The new provider and management team had made significant improvements in about a year. Inspectors found clear leadership, high morale and a strong focus on people's wellbeing.
“The new providers have provided excellent leadership and have driven the improvements at the service.” from the report
Personalised care
Staff knew people well and supported their routines, interests and independence. Care plans included detailed information about how each person preferred to receive support.
“There was a clear vision and culture of personalised care which placed people at the heart of the service.” from the report
Food and nutrition
People enjoyed the meals and were offered choices. Fresh ingredients, snacks and homemade smoothies helped meet nutritional needs.
“The cook prepared meals from fresh ingredients including some which they had grown in the services garden.” from the report
Activities and community links
People could take part in a wide range of activities, including gardening, cookery, crafts and movement sessions with local children and parents. Inspectors saw these helping people become less isolated.
“The service was building good links with the local community and bringing the community into the service.” from the report
Kind and respectful staff
People and relatives spoke positively about staff. Inspectors saw staff protect privacy, listen to people and support them without rushing.
“The atmosphere in the service was welcoming and calm.” from the report
Equipment checks not fully recorded
needs fixingSome spot-check records did not identify the equipment checked or the action taken when faults were found. The provider said this documentation was being reviewed.
“Staff were not recording which piece of equipment was checked and the action taken to resolve faults.” from the report
Some bathroom maintenance needed
minorSome bathrooms had scale that made them harder to clean, and some toilet seats needed replacing. The provider said fittings and furniture were being replaced.
“We found some of the bathrooms had some scale, which meant that they were difficult to clean and some of the toilet seats needed replacement.” from the report
Refurbishment was unfinished
minorParts of the older building were not in use and further refurbishment was planned. Families should check what work has since been completed.
“The old part of the service was largely out of commission awaiting refurbishment” from the report
- 01Have all the planned refurbishment works, including the kitchen and laundry work, now been completed?
- 02How are equipment spot checks recorded now, including the equipment checked and any action taken?
- 03Have the bathroom scale and toilet seat issues been fully resolved?
- 04How many agency staff are currently being used, and how do you ensure they know residents' needs?
- 05How are people's care plans and activities kept up to date as their needs change?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five key questions and checking the changes made since the new provider took over. This explanation was written from the published report of 25 December 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 Halstead Hall Care Home
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- December 2018Goodcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Outstanding
- November 2017
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 10 November 2017.
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.