Northbourne

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 good. At this assessment the rating has remained 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 positive and open learning culture that supported safety and continuous improvement. Staff understood the importance of reporting incidents, accidents and concerns, and records showed these were reviewed and acted on. Leaders used learning from incidents, complaints and safeguarding matters to improve practice, including changes to systems, training and care planning. A staff member told us, “If I had a concern or witnessed something that worried me, I would report this immediately to my team leader or a manager."

The provider worked effectively with health and social care professionals, so people experienced safe and coordinated care. Systems supported timely responses when people’s needs changed, including during hospital admissions and transfers between services. Information was shared appropriately to support continuity of care, and care plans were updated when people returned to the service. These arrangements reduced the risk of harm and helped people to receive timely support. A relative told us, “[Person] had a spell in hospital and staff arranged this quickly, kept us informed and reassessed their needs before they were discharged."

People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Staff understood their safeguarding responsibilities and knew how to recognise and report concerns. Records showed safeguarding issues were escalated appropriately and managed in partnership with external agencies when needed. People told us they felt confident that concerns were taken seriously and that action was taken to keep people safe. A relative told us, “I know [Person] is safe. The systems work well and that reassures me they are being looked after properly.”

People were involved in decisions about their care and how risks were managed. Care plans reflected people’s preferences and included guidance on how staff should support people safely while promoting independence. Relatives said they felt listened to by staff and managers. A relative told us, “We meet regularly to discuss and agree changes to [Person]’s care plan, and I’m kept informed if anything changes."

The environment was not always safe. We identified several concerns during the inspection, including fire safety assurance, emergency call systems, unsecured doors and water safety.

Leaders responded promptly and proportionately. They brought in specialist contractors, reviewed evacuation arrangements, completed additional fire drills and strengthened staffing arrangements. These actions reduced immediate risks and helped keep people safe. Further work was needed to make sure routine checks and oversight for fire safety and the building were properly in place and working consistently over time. This meant that while immediate risks were managed, systems to provide ongoing assurance were not yet fully embedded. A relative told us, “I found my father’s bed pump not plugged in, which controls the air flow for skin integrity… this would compromise skin integrity."

The provider had staffing arrangements in place to meet people’s needs safely. Staff had the right skills and experience, and staffing levels were adjusted in response to identified risks. Recruitment processes included appropriate pre‑employment checks, and staff received supervision, training and support to carry out their roles safely. People told us that staff knew them well and responded promptly when support was needed. A relative told us, “Staff regularly check on [Person] to make sure they’re safe, especially as they won’t use the buzzer.”

The provider had effective infection prevention and control arrangements in place. The service was clean and well maintained, and staff had access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Cleaning schedules and audits supported safe practice, and people told us the service felt clean and comfortable. A relative told us, “The home is clean and well maintained and it feels hygienic when we visit.”

Medicines were managed safely to reduce the risk of harm. Systems were in place to support the safe ordering, storage, administration and review of medicines. Improvements had been made following earlier concerns, and people and relatives reported increased confidence in how medicines were managed. A relative told us, “There had been medication errors before, but since the system was changed, we’ve regained confidence in how medicines are managed.”