Archived: Hollin Bank House Home for the Elderly

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well-led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

Staff had the necessary employment checks to ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable people. People's care needs were assessed and risks were identified. We monitor the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, there were policies and procedures in place to make an application. We found evidence that relevant staff have been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one. Assessments had been completed on people's ability to make decisions about their care needs.

Arrangements were in place to monitor the quality or safety of the service.

Is the service effective?

People told us they were happy with the care that they received and that their needs were met by staff. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they understood the needs of people using the service. One person told us. 'Staff are good they talk to me about what help I need.'

People's health and care needs were assessed with them, their family members and with health and social care professionals.

Is the service caring?

People using the service were supported by kind and attentive staff. We observed staff showing patience and taking time to talk to people when they provided support. People told us they could choose how they spent their day. People's preferences and needs were recorded and their care was provided in line with their wishes. We spoke with one person who told us staff supported them when they needed it and were kind and helpful. 'I like the staff, they are there when I need help.'

Is the service responsive?

People had their needs assessed before moving to the service. Support plans were put in place to show how people wanted to receive their support.

People participated in a range of activities to meet their needs. We found the manager had responded to suggestions made within the residents' meetings and incorporated new ideas to meet the individual choices of the service users. A programme of work to improve the environment was under way.

Is the service well-led?

The registered manager undertook regular audits to continually improve the service. The records we looked at showed any shortfalls were addressed promptly. We found equipment was regularly serviced therefore not putting people at unnecessary risk.

Records showed changes in people's condition in relation to pressure area care had been reported immediately and appropriate action taken.

Following our last inspection in January 2013 we issued a Compliance Action because staff were not supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. The training matrix and individual training records showed that all staff had received updated training in all mandatory areas within the last six months.

We spoke to three relatives who told us that the staff were always kind and helpful and they kept in touch." I have no complaints" one relative said, "My relative is quite settled and happy" They also said their relatives were always well dressed and clean and the home was well kept, fresh and clear of any odours.

People's care records contained enough information to show how they were to be supported and cared for. People told us they were well looked after and that they felt safe. The medication system was safe and people told us they received their medicines when they needed them.

We found that staff are not receiving appropriate professional development. Records did not show that staff had been provided with on-going training to enable them to develop.

We found that suitable arrangements were in place to manage an effective complaints process for identifying, receiving and handling complaints.

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