Archived: Hawthorn House

We found that people that used the service had their needs well met. People said, "Staff couldn't be better", "The food is excellent...I couldn't be happier" and "There is plenty to do".

We found that peoples' health, safety and welfare was protected when more than one provider was involved in their care and treatment, or when they moved between different services. This was because the provider worked in co-operation with others.

We found that people were protected from the risks associated with disease and infection because the provider maintained a clean and hygienic home, where staff practice followed infection control guidelines and staff were trained in good infection control management.

We found that people were protected from unsafe or unsuitable equipment because the provider had appropriate equipment available, it was fit for purpose, properly maintained and staff had been trained to use it.

From survey and audit information we saw that had been accumulated for purposes of quality monitoring the service we found that the provider had an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people that used the service and others.

We found there was an effective complaints system available to people to use though they had not used it for some years. People said they were happy with the service and had not needed to complain.

We found people that used the service were satisfied with the care and support they received. One person told us, "I've been happy all the five years I have lived here." Another said, "We have lots planned for Christmas," whilst a third person said,"It's smashing here, we are treated very well."

People told us they knew about their care plans, received care in the way they wanted it and that the staff were very helpful. They told us they received their medication when they needed it, had activities to do to pass the time of day and that they made their own decisions about their lives. People told us their privacy, dignity and independence were respected and that they made choices about their care.

Two relatives we spoke with that visited the home told us they were very happy with the way their family members had been treated and cared for.

We found the home to be clean, warm and comfortable. We found the medication handling systems were effective and safe and we found that staff had been satisfactorily trained to carry out their roles and responsibilities. We found that the quality assurance system had been improved on since our last visit in December 2011. The home provided a good service of care and support.