11 January 2023
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Blakesley House Nursing Home is a care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 22 older people, including those who are living with the experience of dementia. At the time of our inspection, 14 people were using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were not always protected from the risk of avoidable harm. Although risks to people's safety and wellbeing were identified, and measures were in place to minimise these, incidents such as falls and aggression had continued to happen.
Records were not always completed appropriately and in a timely manner. People did not always receive their medicines safely and as prescribed. Safety checks were undertaken regularly including fire safety and environment checks. However, we found some safety issues during our visit, such as unsecured cupboards and windows.
Although there seemed to be enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs, during mealtime, people being cared for in their rooms were not always supported promptly.
People’s health and nutritional needs were met.
The provider’s monitoring systems had not always been effective as the systems had not identified the shortfalls we found at this inspection.
The provision of activities had improved and we saw people were consulted and supported to undertake activities of their choice.
Feedback indicated people using the service were happy with the care they received. Relatives’ opinion of the service varied, with one being happy with the care and the other expressing negative feedback.
There were robust procedures for preventing and controlling infection, and the staff followed these.
There were procedures to help make sure staff employed were suitable and had the skills and knowledge they needed. These included recruitment checks, regular training and supervision. The staff told us they were happy working at the service.
The provider was suitably qualified and experienced. They worked with staff who had been at the service for a long time and who knew people well. There were appropriate systems for reviewing people's health and working with relevant health and social care professionals.
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 5 August 2021) and there was a breach of regulation 9 (Person-centred care). At this inspection we found improvements had been made in this area but the provider was still in breach of regulations.
Why we inspected
We carried out an unannounced focused inspection of this service on 7 July 2021. One breach of legal requirements was found. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve person-centred care and good governance.
We undertook this focused inspection to check they had followed their action plan and to confirm they now met legal requirements. This report only covers our findings in relation to the key questions safe, responsive and well-led which contain those requirements.
The ratings from the previous comprehensive inspection for those key questions not looked at on this occasion were used in calculating the overall rating at this inspection. The overall rating for the service has not changed. This is based on the findings at this inspection.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Blakesley House Nursing Home on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
We have identified breaches in relation to safe care and treatment, safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment and good governance. Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
Follow up
We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.