Archived: Portland House Nursing Home

We arrived at the service at 5.30am. Two people were up and dressed and were happy to share their experiences about living at Portland House with us.

They told us they were happy with the care and support they received. Comments included, 'I'm happy here but they could do with a change of food. The staff are very good but busy. Matron is excellent' and, 'I always get on very well with X, you can tell her anything and ask her anything. I get on well with everyone, they are all very good and look after me well'.

Staff worked well together despite being one staff member short due to someone being off sick at short notice. Staff confirmed there had been sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of the people who lived at Portland House.

People who used the service and their representatives were able to contribute to their care plans, these reflected their personal preferences. There was evidence that the home worked collaboratively with other community health professionals and clinical specialists outside the home, to ensure the best care was made available to individuals. People told us that they enjoyed the food and drink provided within the home. They were able to choose what they wanted to eat from the menu.

The home was clean, tidy and well maintained.

There was an effective recruitment and selection procedure in place.

There were enough skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs.

Staff within the home had access to training relevant to their roles. The manager is new in post and is aware that some training required updating and had begun to address this. Staff received professional support and supervision within the home in additional to an appraisal of their work practice.

The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. People told us that they were well looked after, had as much independence, worship and stimulation as they wanted and daily choice of good food. We saw that people were treated as individuals, with dignity and respect. People were involved in planning care and treatment which met their needs and preferences and reduced most risks to their health, welfare and safety. People had access to doctors and specialist health advice.

People and staff said they could talk with the manager about any concerns should they arise. We found that people's needs were usually met by a staff team with experience and skills, who had appropriate checks to work with vulnerable adults. There were robust systems in place to respond to and learn from any comments, complaints or safeguarding concerns that may arise. Regular checks and audits took place to monitor quality and safety of the service and the manager intended to address any matters we raised.