Bings Hall

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. At our last assessment we rated this key question Requires Improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to Good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 72 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

People and their relatives felt that safety at service was a priority. One relative told us, “I have no safety concerns with [name of person’s] care at Bings Hall.” Another relative told us, “My relative is well looked after. We have discussed [one concern] and staff listen.”

Staff told us that they were informed of any events or incidents that occurred at the service and learning from these was shared. One member of staff told us, “The team is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment. During handovers, we share key information to ensure everyone is informed.”

The registered manager had a system in place to ensure that all events were investigated, and appropriate action taken in response. This included identifying any learning to be shared with people, staff and other stakeholders.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

People and relatives confirmed they were involved in assessments, and had positive experiences when people moved into the service. One relative told us, “I visited the care home before [we] accepted the placement.”

Staff told us that effective handover and communication meant they had the information needed to ensure they were providing the right care and support. One member of staff told us, “If there is a change in a person’s needs we are notified at handover, or team meeting, and also alerted on care control (care plan system) of a change, and to familiarise ourselves to note the change on the person’s care plan.”

Feedback from professionals was positive. The registered manager valued the strong working relationships that had been developed with partner agencies.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

People told us they felt safe with staff. One person told us, “They (staff) have always been good to me. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” One relative told us, “[Relative] is very happy at Bings and gets on really well with all staff.”

Staff knew how to recognise, respond to and report signs of potential abuse. They had received training, and safeguarding information was accessible to them. One member of staff told us, “If I thought there was any kind of abuse taking place on a person, I would report it to my manager without delay. I have completed my safeguarding training, and am very confident on the importance of this topic.”

The provider had a system in place to report any safeguarding concerns. The registered manager maintained a log of any referrals made to the local authority and the outcome, once received. This process was supported by an up-to-date policy.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

People and relatives told us they felt staff knew and understood how to deliver safe care and support. One person told us, “I have no problems or concerns with them (staff). They know what’s what with me.”

Staff were familiar with people’s care needs and the associated risks. They told us that the care plans and risk assessments in place informed them of the ways in which they should support people safely. All staff knew how to raise any safety concerns. One member of staff told us, “The manager always explains all the needs of care, and seniors provide support to the team. We carry out daily assessments of our residents, and any changes are reported immediately to the senior or the manager.”

Risk assessments were routinely completed and reviewed for all aspects of people’s care.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

People told us they enjoyed living at the service and the ‘homely’ feel offered by the environment. One person told us, “I’m happy enough here. I can do as I wish pretty much. It’s not home but it is homely.”

The provider had made improvements to the service since our last inspection, with a number of environmental changes made such as re-decoration and replacement of flooring. Where remedial works were still needed, plans were in place for these to be completed.

The registered manager completed regular audits of the service, with action taken when identified as needed.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

People told us that staff were available to support them when needed. Staff were visible during our visit and were prompt when people requested support.

The registered manager completed regular checks on the staffing level to ensure it remained sufficient and used a recognised tool to determine staff deployment. However, this did not include consideration of the layout of the building. On occasions where there was a reduction in staffing, particularly at night, this would leave some people without a member of staff being available for them to call upon if needed. The provider confirmed they would complete a review of staffing levels at night.

Staff recruitment was safe and all essential pre-employment checks were completed prior to a staff member starting work. The registered manager reviewed staff training on a frequent basis and ensured all staff remained ‘up to date’. All staff confirmed they received support and supervision in their work.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

All areas of the home were seen to be clean. We observed housekeeping staff methodically completing tasks during our visit.

Storage in some areas required review, as items were seen to prevent easy access to handwashing facilities in two areas. Whilst other facilities were available in close proximity, the provider confirmed they would review all areas and ensure that action was taken where needed.

Staff has received infection prevention and control (IPC) and had access to personal protective equipment.

IPC audits were completed, with an up-to-date policy and guidance in place for all staff.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

People received their medicines in accordance with their needs and as the prescriber intended.

Staff responsible for managing medicines were aware of safe practice. They confirmed they had received training and competency checks.

We saw that medicine records were completed fully, and audits were completed regularly.