20 April 2012
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Due to concerns, Barrowhill Hall is under a multi agency investigation which is coordinated by the local authority. The local adult care teams are carrying out individual reviews of people's care arrangements and the multi agency investigation is presently ongoing. We have liaised with other professionals throughout this process and visited the service with a local authority quality monitoring officer from the Joint Commissioning Unit.
We visited the service on an unannounced basis, so they did not know we were visiting. During our visit we used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people using the service, because some people had complex needs which meant they were not able to tell us their experiences. Where people were not able to express their views to us, we observed interaction between people using the service and staff. We also spoke with people who used the service, visitors and health and social care professionals.
Family and friends could visit the home whenever they wanted to, and family members were able to continue to provide care for a relative and spend time in the home. People told us that they go to their families' homes and continue to enjoy family events, and relatives could accompany them on medical appointments.
People we spoke with and visitors told us they were satisfied with care being given and staff listened to them. People were able to wander around the main part of the home with staff being nearby, should they require any assistance. People did not have access to all areas of their home including the new extension, their bedroom and all rooms on the first floor. People were not consulted about any restriction and there were no agreements in place.
Parts of the home and bedrooms had a strong smell of urine. We saw some flooring had been replaced and staff told us there were plans to replace the carpet in the large lounge dining area.
We saw some good interactions from staff with people who used services. They spoke in a manner which was engaging and polite. We heard staff offer choices of tea or coffee, and biscuits.
We found that the systems to report allegations of abuse were not in place. Where concerns had been identified, appropriate referrals and therefore investigations had not always been taken. This meant people could be placed at risk of harm or abuse. This concern had been raised with the home on previous inspections.
Care records did not always reflect the care and support people needed. The plans were reviewed but did not reflect any changes and staff did not always have access to up to date information. This may place people at further risk of receiving inappropriate care.