CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home
Rated Requires improvement: inspectors found the home was not performing as well as it should and told it what to change.
What inspectors found, December 2020
Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home was inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about infection control and pandemic safety measures.
This was a targeted, announced inspection on 2 December 2020. Inspectors checked infection prevention and control arrangements because of the coronavirus pandemic.
They found the home was clean and well maintained. Extra cleaning, protective equipment, regular COVID-19 testing, risk assessments and social distancing measures were in place. Relatives were supported to keep in contact through a visiting pod.
The home was inspected but not rated. The Safe question was also inspected but not rated. The report gives a positive picture of infection control at that time, but it does not provide a full assessment of the quality of care.
Clean environment
The home was clean, hygienic and well maintained. Staff used extra cleaning schedules and checked frequently touched areas.
“There were effective infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures in place to manage and prevent the transmission of infection; the environment was clean, hygienic and well-maintained.” from the report
Protective equipment and testing
Protective equipment was available and used correctly. Staff had received training, and regular COVID-19 testing was in place for people living at the home and staff.
“Personal protective equipment (PPE) was routinely ordered, staff were observed wearing the appropriate PPE during the inspection and had received the necessary PPE training.” from the report
Contact with relatives
The home had created a visiting pod to support socially distanced visits and help relatives stay in contact with people living there.
“Relatives were supported to maintain contact with their loved ones.” from the report
Clear pandemic guidance
The latest relevant policies and guidance were communicated, with guidance and posters visible around the home.
“The registered manager ensured that the most current / relevant COVID-19 policies, procedures and guidance were effectively communicated; guidance and posters were visible throughout the home.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are the extra cleaning schedules and two-hourly touch-point checks carried out now?
- 02How do you make sure protective equipment is available and that staff keep their training up to date?
- 03What testing arrangements are currently in place for residents and staff?
- 04How do you identify people at higher risk and keep their risk assessments and support measures updated?
- 05How can relatives visit and keep in contact with people living at the home now?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it did not provide a full rating or assess the other four questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 24 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, February 2018
Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with some records and catering needing improvement.
This was an unannounced inspection on 4 and 6 December 2017. It was the first inspection after a change of provider, so the home was still going through a transition. Inspectors spoke with five people living there, four relatives, staff and health professionals. They also observed care during a meal and reviewed care files, staff records, medicines records, complaints and audits.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found that people were treated with dignity, staff responded promptly to call bells, medicines were managed safely and care plans reflected people's needs. Staff were trained and supported, and people had access to health professionals, activities and complaint arrangements.
There were some areas to improve. Catering received mixed feedback. Some staff had not always signed records after applying creams. The home was using some generic documents and records from the previous provider. Inspectors recommended a full review and update of the records and documentation.
Kind and respectful care
Inspectors observed warm and helpful interactions. People were treated with dignity, given privacy and supported at their own pace.
“We saw staff taking the time to talk and interact with people throughout the day and were helpful and supportive when people asked for help.” from the report
Safe medicines arrangements
Medicines were securely stored and records were generally completed correctly. Staff responsible for medicines had training and competency checks.
“People were protected from the risks associated with unsafe medicines management.” from the report
Personalised care planning
Care plans included people's life histories, preferences and support needs. They were reviewed monthly or sooner when needs changed.
“Care plans were written in a person-centred way, included people's life history and were reviewed at monthly intervals or when needs changed.” from the report
Management oversight
The home had a registered manager and used audits, surveys, meetings and provider visits to monitor care and identify actions.
“A range of auditing systems had been established so that the service could be monitored and developed.” from the report
Mixed views about food
needs fixingSome people thought the food was good, but others found it bland or poor. The manager said action was being taken after feedback.
“The food can be a bit poor at times.” from the report
Creams not always recorded
minorSome staff did not always sign the medicines administration records after applying creams. This had been identified through audits and the manager had reminded staff of expectations.
“We noted that some staff had not always signed MAR to confirm that they had applied creams.” from the report
Records and policies in transition
needs fixingSome documents were generic or had been produced by the previous provider. Inspectors recommended a full review and update in line with the current provider's documents.
“We therefore recommend that the registered manager undertakes a full review of all the records and documentation in use at Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home and ensures that all records are updated in accordance with the current provider's corporate documentation.” from the report
More outings requested
minorSome people said they did not go out as much as they would like. The activity coordinator was working on meeting individual wishes through the 'Three Wishes' initiative.
“We don't seem to go out as much. I think it's because they haven't got the time to take us.” from the report
- 01What changes have been made to the catering since some people said the food could be bland or poor?
- 02How do you now make sure staff sign the medicines records after applying creams?
- 03Has the full review of care records, audit tools and policies been completed since the provider change?
- 04How often are residents now supported to go on trips or take part in activities outside the home?
- 05How are complaints and food feedback reviewed for patterns and used to make improvements?
This was an unannounced inspection of the overall service covering all five CQC questions, following a change of provider. This explanation was written from the published report of 20 February 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 Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- December 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
Read what inspectors found at Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home →
- February 2018GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
Read what inspectors found at Holcroft Grange Residential Care Home →
- November 2016
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 8 November 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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