This inspection took place on 22 January 2019 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection since the provider of the service had changed their registration with the CQC.

Oakfield Nursing Home is a ‘care’ home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The service can accommodate up to 29 older people. At the time of our inspection there were 27 people using the service the majority of whom were living with mental health support needs.

The house people lived in had a homely feel. A process of redecoration was underway at the time of the inspection to refresh the tired and dated décor.

People told us they felt safe living at Oakfield Nursing Home. Staff understood their responsibilities around identifying and reporting suspected abuse. People’s support needs were regularly reviewed to identify the safe levels of staff needed to meet those needs. Robust recruitment processes ensured that before new staff worked at the home, they were safe and suitable to do so.

Hazards to people’s health and safety had been identified, and management plans produced to reduce the risk of harm. The staff team kept people safe by reviewing accidents and incidents and acting to prevent reoccurrences.

Staff ensured that people received their medicines as prescribed, or when they needed them. Only those staff that were trained and competent could give people their medicines.

Infection control processes meant that the environment and equipment were routinely cleaned to keep people safe from the spread of infections.

A comprehensive assessment of people’s needs was completed before they moved into the home. This ensured the staff had the skills suitable to meet those needs.

Staff received training and supervision to keep them up to date with best practice. Nursing staff were supported to maintain their registration, and take part in additional training as necessary.

People had enough to eat and drink. There were good links with the local health care services, so people had access to GP’s and other health care professionals when needed.

People’s rights under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) were met. If a person could not make a specific decision for themselves people who had legal authority to make decisions for them where involved.

People were supported by staff that were caring, and respected their privacy and dignity. Staff knew the people they supported as individuals. People’s faiths, culture and lifestyles were respected.

Care plans had a good level of detail to enable staff to give a responsive level of care. These were reviewed periodically or as people’s needs change to ensure they reflected current support needs. People had access to activities that interested them, and they said there was always something going on to keep them entertained.

There was a complaints policy in place and the registered manager said complaints were welcomed as it gave them the opportunity to improve.

Systems were in place to support people who were at the end of their lives. Staff knew their preferences and choices so people could be assured of a dignified, and as far as possible, pain free death.

The owner and management of Oakfield Nursing Home’s goal was to provide a family feel to the home. This is what we observed during the inspection, from the interactions between people, their families and the staff, and the way the management spoke about people.

Quality assurance processes ensured that peoples feedback was obtained and acted on, and that staff provided a good standard of care to people. Notifications of incidents had been submitted to the CQC in accordance with the regulations.