Updated 30 April 2025
Smithy Bridge Court provides accommodation, nursing and personal care for up to 51 people living with dementia, mental health and other complex needs. The assessment took place between 09 May and 12 June 2025. We visited the service on 14 and 19 May 2025. At the time of our assessment there were 50 people living at the home. We carried out a responsive assessment of the service in relation to potential risk, and covered quality statements across 4 key questions – Safe, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led.
Systems and processes were in place to assess risks to people and ensure they were safeguarded from avoidable harm. The provider shared safeguarding concerns quickly and appropriately. Mechanisms were in place to assist the manager to identify any common themes and trends when analysing accidents and incidents; lessons learned were shared with staff to help improve practices around care and support.
People were given their medicines in a safe way, and people we spoke with were happy with the way they received them. Infection prevention and control processes were in place and followed by staff. An issue with the storage of 1 tub of thickener and an observation we raised about a toilet environment were quickly dealt with by the manager. There were enough trained and competent staff to support people and keep them safe. Staff safely administered and managed people’s medicines.
Staff were kind and caring in their interactions and responded to people in a timely way. The provider promoted people’s independence, and staff respected people’s decisions and choices. The provider made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.
Care plans evidenced people had access to general practitioners (GPs) and other health care professionals, and the service employed their own psychiatrist and physiotherapist. People had access to local health and care services to support them to manage their wellbeing.People received person-centred care and care plans detailed how they wished to be supported. Staff knew how to effectively communicate with people.
The service was well led. The provider had an effective quality assurance process in place which included regular audits, daily flash meeting with seniors, and lessons learned sessions. People, relatives and staff were involved and consulted about the quality of the service via mechanisms such as surveys, meetings and reviews. Feedback received from people, relatives, staff and health professionals about the service was positive.
The service worked in partnership with other agencies to ensure people’s needs were met. The new management team were keen to develop and improve the service and were working with staff to embed and sustain practices and processes to ensure continued improvement.