A care home at Whittle Hall, Warrington, has been rated “Good” following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
Whittle Hall Care Home Residence is a care home with nursing and provides accommodation and personal care for up to 74 people. At the time of the assessment in May 71 people were living at the home.
The assessment was prompted in part due to concerns received about people’s safety. A decision was made for the CQC to inspect and examine those risks. They carried out a focused assessment and assessed a total of 21 quality statements from the safe, effective and well-led key questions.
Daily records used for monitoring aspects of people’s care where there was a known risk were not always completed for some people. This included fluid intake and positional change records. Some people’s care records lacked information about their care need requirements. Managers were receptive of feedback and assured inspectors they would take the necessary action to ensure records were kept up to date.
Safety concerns were listened to and investigated in a timely way and lessons were learnt to prevent future occurrences. Managers and staff knew the different types of abuse and how to report any safeguarding concerns. Medicines were safely managed by suitably trained staff. There were sufficient numbers of staff suitably skilled and experienced, and they were recruited safely.
People’s needs were assessed, using recognised assessment tools and a care plan was developed detailing people’s needs and how they were to be met. Care plans were routinely reviewed and updated each month or sooner if needed. People’s nutritional and hydration needs were understood and met, and they were given a choice of healthy food and drink. People received the support they needed to maintain good health and wellbeing. They were supported to attend health and wellbeing appointments, and prompt referrals were made to other services when required. Decisions made on behalf of people who were assessed as lacking the capacity to consent to care and treatment were made in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
There was an experienced manager in post, and they promoted a positive culture based on listening, learning and trust. There was consistent oversight by the provider to ensure their governance systems and processes were used effectively. Staff felt supported, valued and able to speak up with confidence. There was good partnership working with others in ensuring people’s needs were met.
People said they felt safe and were treated well. One person said, “Yes I feel very safe” and another person said, “Treated fine, nothing to worry about.” Family members were confident their relative was kept safe, their comments included, “I feel they [relative]are safe here,” “I think it’s a lot better than it used to be” and “Yes definitely (safe).” People and family members said the home was kept clean and hygienic with one person commenting “Yes, (clean) I’d mention it if it wasn’t.” Family members comments included, “Yes, very (clean)” and “Always smells lovely.” People and family members said there was enough staff and they were good at their job. One person said, “Do a good job” and family members commented, “They [staff]seem too (know what they are doing)” and “Yes but does vary between regular and agency staff.” Family members said their relative received their prescribed medicines on time. A family member commented, “Yes, just had a recent review” and another said, “Yes, they have recently tweaked medication, and [relative]is a lot calmer now.”
Family members said they felt their relative was kept safe at the home and were confident about raising concerns should any arise. One family member said, “I would raise with any nurse” and another told us, “Anything I feel isn’t right I raise, and it’s dealt with straight away.” Family members told said were told about any incidents involving their relative. Their comments included, “Me and my sister are both told, relative had a fall last night and we were called straight away” and “I am told everything that happens.”
Family members provided mixed feedback when asked if they were involved in their relative’s care plan reviews. Their comments included, “Yes, always discuss any changes” “Not since came in” and “No, but we are updated about any changes.” Inspectors discussed family members comments with managers to highlight potential improvements in this area.
Family members provided mixed feedback when asked if they knew the manager, their comments included, “Yes, saw them when I first came to visit” “Yes but can’t remember her name” and “No don’t know who it is.”
A full copy of the report can be read by CLICKING HERE
the entrance to the care home – Picture Google Street View
