The inspection of Brownlands Nursing Home was carried out by an inspector who gathered evidence to help us answer our five questions; Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive to people's needs? Is the service well-led?Below is a summary of what we found. The detailed evidence supporting our summary can be read in our full report.
Is the service safe?
There were sufficient numbers of experienced and competent staff on duty to safely meet people's personal and healthcare needs. We saw that staff had been appropriately trained to provide safe care. One person said, "All the staff are very caring. It makes me feel content because I know I am safe here."
Staff said they had received training in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults (SoVA) and the staff that we spoke with knew how to report concerns. This meant that people were protected from the risk of neglect or unsafe care.
Suitable arrangements were in place for staff to respond to emergencies, deal with incidents, or seek guidance from their manager. This meant that staff received the advice and support they needed to manage problematic situations safely, effectively, and in a timely way.
We found that people's needs had been appropriately assessed before they were admitted to Brownlands Nursing Home. After admission to the home we saw that their needs were regularly reassessed to ensure they continued to receive safe care when their needs changed. This meant that staff had the up-to-date information they needed to minimise identified risks to people's safety and welfare.
We saw that people were cared for in an environment that was clean and hygienic. We found that the equipment in place for staff to use was appropriately serviced. This meant that people were cared for in a safe, well maintained environment.
Is the service effective?
We observed staff going about their duties without hurrying. One person said, 'I get the help I need, when I need it. They never keep me waiting or leave me feeling uncomfortable.'
We spoke with four staff and they were knowledgeable about people's needs. They said they always received a briefing before they started their shift so that they knew what needed to be done. They were able to tell us about people's individual needs and how they delivered their care. This meant that because staff had a good knowledge of each person's care needs and preferences they were able to provide effective care.
Is the service caring?
When we saw staff interact with people their manner of approach was patient, kind, and good humoured. They encouraged people who struggled to do things for themselves but made sure people were safe. We saw they provided people with timely assistance whenever that was appropriate but never 'rushed' anyone.
Is the service responsive to people's needs?
People said they received the support they needed to enable them to do what they could for themselves. On person said, "I am not able to do much for myself now, but I like to have a go and they always let me try. That is important to me."
We saw that there was enough staff on duty to meet people's needs. We heard, for example, that whenever a call bell was activated staff responded in a timely way. The four staff we spoke with said they were able to meet people's needs without feeling under pressure. One person said, "The carers are busy, but they always have time for me." A visitor we spoke with said, "I think the staff here are very attentive. They do a good job."
Is the service well led?
When we inspected we found that the manager in post had not yet applied to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We advised the provider and manager that an application to register the manager with CQC was required to be submitted by the post holder and they confirmed that appropriate action would be taken to remedy this.
The staff we spoke with all confirmed that they had received the support and guidance they needed from the manager and other senior staff, such as the nurse-in-charge. They said they were encouraged to raise issues for discussion or make suggestions for improvements. They all said the manager was very approachable. They also said they received a good level of managerial support and guidance that enabled them to carry out their duties.