Sutherland Court

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At the last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a strong proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and complete honesty. Staff understood how to raise concerns and felt confident doing so and told us concerns were taken seriously and addressed promptly. Where things went wrong, there was evidence the service reflected on practice and made improvements to keep people safe. One staff member said, “If I see something wrong, I make sure to report it to a manager immediately. They take it very seriously and take action to fix the problem. And always ensures us to know that his door is always open for any concerns.”

Systems were in place to ensure safe care pathways and transitions. People’s needs were assessed before admission and reviewed when circumstances changed. Information was shared appropriately with other professionals to support continuity of care, including during transfers and transitions. These systems helped reduce risks and ensured people received coordinated and timely support.

Staff worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. Staff understood safeguarding procedures and described concerns being acted on appropriately and within expected timescales. Staff understood when Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations would need to be sought and what to do if there were conditions imposed.

Staff supported people to understand risks and encouraged positive risk‑taking where appropriate to promote independence and choice. Staff took a balanced and proportionate approach to risk, which supported people and respected their choices. Risk assessments were in place and assisted staff to identify how to mitigate risks. A staff member said, “When it comes to doing care plans and risk assessments we always try and involve the resident as much as possible.”

The provider maintained a safe environment that reduced risks to people. Health and safety checks were carried out, and environmental risks were identified and managed. Equipment was maintained and used safely. These arrangements helped ensure people could move around the service safely and receive care in an environment that supported their wellbeing.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. People confirmed there were always enough staff on duty. Recruitment practices and training levels met the required standards. A staff member said, “I do believe there is enough staff, we all work as a team to make sure all tasks are finished and in busy days there is enough support to ensure people’s needs are met.”

Staff assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff appropriately followed the required infection control guidelines. They supported people to adopt good hygiene practices.

Staff made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff who administered medicines had the appropriate training and competency checks. Staff worked closely with the GP and pharmacist to make sure medicines were managed appropriately. Storage areas were secure, and temperature checks were recorded. Medication administration records were accurate, and controlled drugs were handled in line with regulations.