20 June 2023
During a routine inspection
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they felt safe living in the home. Staff had received training on safeguarding vulnerable adults and had access to the provider’s policies and procedures. The registered manager agreed to refresh staff knowledge on external reporting procedures. There were sufficient numbers of staff deployed to meet people's needs and ensure their safety. There were shortfalls in the recruitment records of 2 staff. The nominated individual addressed this issue following the inspection. Individual and environmental risks had been assessed and managed. People were protected from the risks associated with the spread of infection.
The service managed medicines safely, however we recommended care plans to support staff to administer ‘when required’ medicines were reviewed to make sure they were person centred and in place.
People were supported to eat and drink. However, we made a recommendation about improving people’s dining experiences. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People's needs were assessed prior to them using the service. There was ongoing training for all staff. Staff were supported with regular supervisions and were given the opportunity to attend regular meetings.
People were mostly complimentary about the service provided. People’s rights to privacy and independence were promoted and maintained. However, we observed some staff comments compromised people’s dignity. The management team agreed to investigate this issue further and remind staff about the importance of respectful interactions. People were supported to express their views on the service and their care.
All people had an electronic care plan which was updated regularly and in line with people’s needs. Whilst the provider had records to demonstrate a variety of activities were offered in the home, people spoken with told us they had little to do to occupy their time. The nominated individual explained an activities coordinator was due to commence work in the home. People had access to an easy read complaints procedure and there were arrangements to record and investigate any concerns.
The provider and the management team carried out a series of audits to check and monitor the quality of the service and ensure records were completed accurately. The provider and registered manager considered the views of people, their relatives and staff in respect to the quality of care provided and used the feedback to make ongoing improvements to the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at the last inspection
The last rating for the service was good (published 30 January 2021).
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Recommendations
We have made recommendations in respect of reviewing care plan information to ensure staff had access to appropriate protocols for the administration of medicines prescribed ‘when required’ and improving people’s dining experiences.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.