Archived: Burking Banks

This inspection was carried out by two inspectors. We arrived at the home at 5.30am so that we could see what night staffing was available.

We asked our five questions; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? 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 who lived at the home, the manager, staff members and from looking at records. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with respect and dignity by staff and told us they felt safe.

The service was safe, clean and hygienic and equipment was well maintained.

The registered manager set staff rotas, taking people's care needs into account when making decisions about staff numbers. However, we found some issues with the number of staff that were made available, particularly during nights.

Is the service effective?

Where possible, people's care records were assessed with their involvement and with the involvement of relatives and other healthcare professionals

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw care assistants showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. People we spoke with said staff were kind and caring.

We found care records were clear and concise, with details of care and treatment that the person required. However, we found there was a lack of information in care records around people's life history, their preferences and choices.

Is the service responsive?

On the day of our visit we observed people watching television, singing and chatting with staff and other people who lived at the home.

People knew how to complain if they were unhappy. People we spoke with said the manager and staff members were approachable. One person who lived at the home told us; 'It's nice here. I've been here for 18 months now and never want to leave. I feel safe and cared about'.

Is the service well-led?

The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received the most suitable care. This included multi-agency work with the local authority, district nurses and doctors.

Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities and any tasks delegated to them. Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and said they felt supported by the manager.

We spoke with two relatives who told us they were very happy with the care at Burking Banks. They told us they were able to visit when they wanted and there always seem to be staff around.

We observed staff giving people choices and explaining their actions so people understood the support being provided. This demonstrated people were treated with consideration and respect. However, we found that people were not always asked for their consent before care and treatment was delivered.

Although we found care plans were easy to follow and documented people's preferences, there were a number of areas that required further information or clarity. For example, care records included a list of medical conditions, such as; epilepsy, glaucoma and heart murmur. However, there was no information about how these conditions would impact on how a person's care should be delivered to ensure their welfare and safety and to ensure that their individual needs were met.

We found the environment of the home was not dementia friendly and did not reflect the relevant research and guidance in this area. This meant people may find it difficult to navigate around their home.

We found people were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. We found people were cared for, or supported by, suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. There was an effective complaints system available. Comments and complaints people made were responded to appropriately.

Following the inspection the provider told us that the number of staff on nights had been increased.

We made this visit, during night time hours, to see if the improvement had been sustained and that there were enough staff on night duty to meet the needs of the people living at the home.

We found that there were sufficient staff on duty during the night to make sure that people are safe and receive the care they need.

Staff told us that they had more time to support people without worrying that other people who lived at the home were not being observed. Staff said that this had resulted in a much calmer environment for people during the night.