Bamburgh House

This CQC inspection report for Bamburgh House provides an overview of the care service on 31 May 2018. The inspection assessed the service against five key questions: Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? and Is the service well-led? The report found that Bamburgh House continues to provide a good standard of care, with particular strengths noted in how residents are kept safe and how their needs are effectively met. The inspection also highlighted positive relationships between staff and residents, and a management approach focused on resident well-being. While the overall findings are positive, the report does indicate specific areas of focus.

Regarding safety, residents reported feeling secure, and staff demonstrated a strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. Risks were regularly assessed and managed, with appropriate measures in place to protect individuals. Safe recruitment processes and robust medicine management also contributed to a safe environment. There was a clear plan for ongoing redecoration and timely repairs to ensure the premises remained safe and suitable for residents, with improvements such as a new shower room already completed.

On effectiveness, staff possessed the necessary skills and experience to support residents with their specific needs. Regular assessments and reviews ensured care plans were up-to-date and aligned with residents' goals, promoting independence in daily living. Staff received ongoing training and support, including understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Residents were actively involved in decision-making regarding their care and daily activities.

In terms of how caring the service is, residents spoke positively about the strong relationships they had developed with staff, describing the atmosphere as familial and relaxed. Staff were observed to be respectful, calm, and attentive to residents' individual preferences and communication needs. There was a clear emphasis on upholding residents' dignity, privacy, equality, diversity, and human rights, with efforts made to provide information in accessible formats.

The service was found to be responsive to residents' needs, offering personalised care plans that reflected health and social care requirements. Residents were actively involved in their care planning and decision-making, with opportunities to pursue their interests and maintain relationships. A keyworker system was in place to promote consistency. The service had clear policies for handling complaints and compliments, with residents feeling confident their concerns would be addressed.

Finally, on being well-led, a registered manager was in place and actively involved in the service, supported by a deputy manager. The management team was visible and accessible to staff and residents, with sufficient time allocated for both direct care and managerial duties. The report indicates a commitment to ongoing improvement through quality assurance processes.