Appletree Grange

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 inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (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. They listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. People received safe care because staff learned from safety alerts and incidents. Any incidents about people's safety were discussed with staff in a timely way, with action taken to mitigate further risks. Staff members’ comments included, “Learning is shared at meetings and handover” and “After fire drills we get feedback on what went well and what needs to be improved.

Staff at the service worked with people and healthcare partners to design, establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was always well managed and monitored. Staff made sure there was always continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. Detailed information was collected before people started to use the service, and passports were available with information to take when attending hospital or other health appointments.

Staff at the service worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. They 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 service shared concerns quickly and appropriately. People and relatives told us they felt safe, they would speak with staff if they were worried, and they always felt listened to. A relative commented, “If I had any concerns I would go to the staff, they are very approachable, and I trust them.”

Staff always worked well with people to fully understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care that met people’s needs and was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risks were assessed to ensure people were safe and staff took action to mitigate any identified risks. Staff supported people safely and appropriate equipment was available if people needed assistance. Relatives’ comments included, “Staff talk about the risks, they are always checking up on [Name], every half an hour usually” and “[Name] cannot walk, they use the stand aid and the wheelchair, staff manage the risks.”

The provider was fully aware of all potential risks in the care environment and controlled them well. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. Equipment was regularly serviced to maintain safety. A relative commented, “[Name] is safe here, the sensor mat sounds if they move out of the chair and staff will come immediately and check [Name].”

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. Staff members confirmed they received opportunities for training and development. Their comments included, “I think the training is excellent, we get a reminder when refresher for mandatory training is due” and “We get plenty of training.” Staff worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. A staff member told us, “There are enough staff, we get time to spend with the residents”, “Seniors are good, they will help out on the floor if needed” and “I think the managers would listen to the staff if they thought they needed more staff.” People told us they felt safe with staff support, and people and relatives thought there were sufficient staff. Relatives’ and people’s comments included, “The safety here is ok, staff are proactive”, “There are a lot of staff about, the cleaners are always about too, you can always find someone” and “There are ever so many staff.”

Staff assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff told us personal protective equipment (PPE) and all cleaning materials needed were available. They confirmed they had received infection control training. A person commented, “My room is cleaned every day, when I come back it is all neat and tidy.”

Staff at the service made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. They involved people in planning, including when changes happened to people’s medicines. Records of regular medicines were well-maintained and followed national guidance including recording people’s allergies. A person commented, “I have lots of medicines, usually they are on time and regular.”