Bluebell Nursing Home

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

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 made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

Detailed pre assessments of people’s needs were completed before moving to the home. These were completed by a member of the management team and a nurse employed by the provider; to help ensure they were able to meet the persons needs prior to them moving in. Assessments included details of people’s health, mobility and social needs and identified any risks that people needed support to manage. These assessments included the person and people that were important to them.

Assessment reviews were completed regularly, and care plans reflected people’s individual preferences, health conditions, and communication needs. Staff used a range of tools to gather and review information when people’s circumstances changed.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

People’s care needs were detailed in their care plans, including guidance on how their specific needs were to be met. The provider used nationally recognised tools to assess people’s needs, and policies aligned with national guidance. Care plans were regularly updated to reflect changes in people’s needs and any professional advice received.

Care plans contained detailed information in relation to people’s nutritional and hydration needs and where people required modified diets and fluids due to risks of choking and we saw these were followed.

Drinks and snacks were offered in line with people’s specific needs throughout the day to ensure people had adequate intake of food and drink. All staff spoken with were knowledgeable about people’s dietary requirements.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.

We observed staff working well together and supporting each other when required. Staff spoke positively of their colleagues. A staff member said, “We work well together, we are a very good team.”

Staff shared information with each other through handover meetings between shifts where people’s changing needs were discussed. Staff had access to the care plan and risk assessment information they needed to appropriately assess, plan and deliver people’s care, treatment and support. People’s care plans were available for care staff to access using the provider’s electronic care records system and handheld electronic devices. Care plans showed staff sought advice and guidance appropriately and referrals were made for specialist support where required.

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.

Staff worked with a range of external professionals to protect and promote people’s health and wellbeing. There were regular visits from healthcare professionals to the home, to review people’s healthcare needs and wellbeing. The management team and staff were aware of how to access health, and social care professionals should there be a need and both people and professionals confirmed this was done appropriately.

People were encouraged and supported to make decisions about their own care needs by staff who understood their complex needs and preferences. Staff encouraged and supported people to make healthier choices to help promote and maintain their health and wellbeing but were also mindful the person had the final say on decisions relating to their care.

People were encouraged and supported to partake in a range of activities including, physical activities such as exercise-based sessions as well as activities to promote positive emotional and psychological wellbeing.

People told us they had enough to eat and drink. Feedback about the quality of meals was mostly positive. People were offered alternative choices if required and second portions were offered if a person particularly enjoyed their meal. We observed a sociable and inclusive lunchtime experience for people where staff were fully engaged in involving people to participate in group conversations and sing-a-longs. This was enjoyed by all.

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

Care plans and risk assessments had a good level of detail about actions staff should take should a person’s health deteriorate. Staff monitored and acted on deterioration and escalated concerns appropriately, where required.

Processes in place meant all staff had good oversight of people’s care and support. People’s care plans were reviewed and updated regularly to ensure staff had the current information to provide effective care. The electronic care system meant when changes were needed these were made without delay. This meant staff had accurate information to support people effectively. Managers and clinical staff monitored people’s electronic care records and ensured staff had supported people with agreed tasks. They monitored this throughout the day to ensure people's needs were continually met and that they were provided with the support they required.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to mental capacity and consent and people had the right to refuse care. Staff recognised the importance of people giving consent and supported people to make informed choices and respected these. We observed staff asking people’s permission prior to providing support throughout the assessment visits. People confirmed staff always asked their consent before providing any care or treatment.

Decision specific Mental Capacity Act (MCA) assessments and best interest decisions were in place where appropriate to support people who may be unable to make informed decisions.