Archived: Ashurst Park Care Home

We set out to answer our five key questions:

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well-led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service and a visiting relative, the staff and from looking at records.

If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

The service was not safe. Before the inspection concerns were raised about the quality of care and whether the service was safe. Our inspection found the service was not safe.

The kitchen and sluice rooms were not clean or hygienic. There were ineffective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection so people were at risk.

Risk assessments were reviewed regularly and care plans updated. Records confirmed that people were referred to healthcare professionals appropriately such as GPs and dieticians. Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learned from accidents and incidents, concerns, complaints, and investigations.

People told us that they felt there was enough staff. Staff were present in all communal areas so were available to people. One person said, "There is enough staff, they are all very good". Another said, "There is always someone available when I need them". Another said " There is always someone available when I need them". Staff were present in all communal areas so were available to people.

Appropriate arrangements were in place in relation to obtaining medicine. The system was straightforward and all medicine was checked into the home and recorded.

Is the service effective?

The service was effective. People told us that they were happy with the care that they received and that their care needs were met. One person we spoke with told us, 'I am very happy here I have no concerns'. A relative said, "Staff treat my mother well". Staff were attentive to people using the service and responded promptly when needed. People's health and care needs were assessed with them and /or their representatives where possible.

Is the service caring?

The service was caring. People were supported by kind and attentive staff. Staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. People said they felt staff respected their privacy and dignity and that staff were polite and caring.

Is the service responsive?

The service was responsive. People were happy with the service. It was clear from observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of people's care and support needs.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. Care plans had the detail staff needed to meet people's needs. Everyone spoken with told us they were happy with the care and support they received and said that the manager was approachable.

People were supported to attend health appointments, such as, doctors or dentists. Records showed that the service worked closely with health and social care professionals to maintain and improve people's health and well-being.

Is the service well-led?

The service was not well led.

Whilst many parts of the service were clean, the kitchen and sluice rooms were not clean or hygienic. Infection control audits were carried out but were ineffective.

Staff told us that they felt well supported and were given the information they needed to support the people who used the service. Staff meetings where changes or issues with peoples' care were held. Meetings with held with people who used the service to ensure they were consulted and encouraged to contribute their ideas about running the service.

Staff appraisals addressed individual professional development and included staff training needs, demands of the role, career aspirations and levels of satisfaction.

During our last inspection in March 2013 we found that people who used the service were not provided with enough activities to stimulate their skills and interests. We visited Ashurst Park again in August 2013 to check that people's social needs were being met. We found people were now supported in promoting their independence and community involvement through a comprehensive activities programme.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. A relative told us, "Nothing is too much trouble, the staff are so caring and considerate of my mother's needs".

People's consent was sought appropriately. People told us, "They always make sure I consent before they do anything". We saw people's consent or refusal were recorded in their files and care was delivered in line with their agreed care plans.

During our last inspection in March 2013 we identified a need for improvement of the premises and equipment maintenance. We found that a remedial action plan had now been devised and effectively implemented by new management to redress the situation, make improvements and achieve compliance.

The newly registered manager had started the job two weeks before our visit and they told us they were we found her planning and implementing changes in order to improve the service.

We found that people were being respected although there was a lack of activities on offer. We saw that care and treatment was appropriately provided and delivered and that people's physical and medical needs were met. We found that the food provided was of a high standard.

We looked at the home safeguarding procedures and found them to be appropriately implemented. We found that the environment needed to be repaired in several areas and that the provider had failed to repair or remove broken and redundant equipment. We found that care workers were supported in relation to their responsibilities to enable them to deliver care and treatment to an appropriate standard.

We found that the manager had introduced a programme of audits to test and monitor the quality of care and that complaints were fully investigated and resolved where possible to people's satisfaction.

People we spoke with told us "I like it here, I am well cared for" and "The staff are helpful and compassionate". A relative told us "My Mum's needs are met but she needs to be kept occupied". A nurse told us "This is a good place but it needs new systems in place for it to work better".