17 November 2011
During an inspection in response to concerns
The absence of a detailed assessment of people's needs prior to their admission does not ensure they will receive a service specific to their needs.
Staff have a good understanding of the importance of promoting people's right to privacy.
One person who uses the service said, 'The staff definitely respect my privacy.'
Care plans provided inadequate information about people's needs and how to meet them. People who use the service were unaware of their care plan and the purpose of it. Discussions with people who use the service confirmed they have never been asked how they would like to be cared for.
People have access to relevant healthcare services when needed. One person told us they were feeling unwell and the home had asked for a doctor's visit.
One person said, 'The staff couldn't look after you better, you have lovely food and lovely company.'
People who use the service said they are not provided with a choice of meals and the intervals of when meals are served means they are sometimes hungry. People do have access to drinks at all times.
The government and local safeguarding guidance was not accessible to staff, to ensure they are aware of the appropriate action to take to protect people from abuse. Not all staff had received safeguarding training to ensure they have the skills and competence to recognise abuse and protect people from this.
We found there were inadequate arrangements in place to monitor the hygiene and cleanliness of the home. Reports from an environmental health officer and infection prevention audit shows that improvements were needed.
The management of people's prescribed medicines was unsafe.
Inadequate maintenance of the property may compromise people's safety and comfort and the practice of wedging fire doors open will not ensure people's safety in the event of a fire.
One person who uses the service said, 'The staff are very willing and when I ask them to do something for me, they do it straight way.'
There were no arrangements in place to ensure people are not placed at risk of inappropriate or unsafe care and treatment. We have identified a number of shortfalls that could impinge on the quality of service provided to people.